Pothole plague “worse than ever” according to RAC

Some 9,439 callouts to breakdowns as a result of poor road surfaces in the UK were received by the RAC between January and March. That was a 19% increase from 7,904 during the same period last year.  

Common vehicle problems caused by potholes include damaged shock absorbers, broken suspension springs and distorted wheels.  

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has previously said broken roads “can risk lives and cost families hundreds if not thousands of pounds on repairs”, adding that councils should “get on with the job” of repairing them.  

RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: “Our pothole-related breakdown data is a very clear reflection of the true state of the UK’s roads, and it sadly shows the pothole plague is as prevalent as ever.  

“Suffering a breakdown due to wear and tear caused by the poor quality of roads is frustrating beyond belief, particularly as the average cost of repairing anything more than a puncture is £460."  

Maddi Solloway-Price, Head of Road Freight & English Regions Policy at Logistics UK said: "Potholes and poor road conditions cost the logistics industry millions each year in terms of damage and delays.  

“The only solution to this is to ensure long-term funding arrangements are in place for road maintenance and that these are delivered as effectively as possible." 

Related: As reported by Logistics magazine on 20 March, a survey by repair company Kwik Fit estimated that total costs for motorists from pothole damage to vehicles last year were £1.7 billion, with an average bill of £144.