Motorists and businesses pay dearly as poorly maintained roads fall apart under the onslaught of climate change and wild weather [Video]

Poorly maintained roads and wild weather are proving an expensive combination for businesses and motorists hit by costs associated with crumbling highways.

Transport agency Waka Kotahi says a climate change adaptation plan to deal with the growing frequency of extreme weather will be out before the end of the year, but it can’t come fast enough for those hurting financially from road closures, vehicle damage caused by substandard maintenance, and massively increased drive times.

The trucking industry argues a lot more money needs to be spent on overcoming the “maintenance mountain” as operators struggle with fall out from the latest weather onslaught, rostering extra drivers to cover lengthy detours.

The tourism industry is also suffering and Active Adventures chief executive Wendy van Lieshout​ has budgeted $20,000 this year to cover potential disruptions from climate change, such as road closures.

READ MORE: * Poor roads take physical and mental toll on truckies * Complaints …