Major roads across Liverpool could be set to get even worse for decades, a new report has warned.
And even large amounts of investment over the next few years may not be enough to stop the decline.
The concerning details came to light in a Liverpool City Region Combined Authority document which allocated new funding to tackle potholes across the region's six boroughs.
It included two financial models of how the city's 'Key Route Network', including its most important roads, could be maintained.
The first model , with an investment of £3m a year in the roads for the next 50 years, shows a steady decline in the road network.
That amount is similar to what is currently spent by the combined authority.
And even the second, which budgeted a much larger £19m for the next five years followed by £3m a year, still showed an overall decline in the state of the roads over the three decade period.
The report warns the region's major roads are 'degrading'.
It said: "A much greater level of investment is needed to arrest the decline in the condition of the road network, both the KRN and the local road network.
"The importance of well-maintained roads will be appreciated, in terms of ride comfort for all road users, for the efficient movement of goods and people and to ensure safe road conditions for all.
"There are also liability issues at stake for highway authorities in the event of accidents or damage as a result of poorly maintained roads and pavements."
The money allocated specifically for potholes comes from a central government fund - but city leaders have repeatedly said it comes nowhere near close to what is necessary.
At Friday's meeting, Councillor Liam Robinson warned the amounts available to the region were 'a drop in the ocean'.
