A motoring services chief has said the state of UK roads is “pathetic” as the rate of vehicle breakdowns due to potholes increased by 9% last year, new figures show.
The RAC reported some 27,205 callouts for breakdowns due to poor road surfaces in the year to the end of March.
This compares with 24,906 during the previous 12 months, the RAC said.
Pothole-related calls fell by 22% in the first three months this year compared to the same period in 2023, but the RAC said this was due to mild weather rather than damage being reduced by new roads.
The impact of hitting a pothole can damage the vehicle’s suspension, affecting vital components such as shock absorbers, springs and ball joints, resulting in poor handling and uneven tire wear.
Avoiding ‘pitted bullets’
RAC head of policy Simon Williams acknowledged the low callouts during the first three months, but said it was “important not to lose sight of the bigger picture and the ongoing sorry state of our roads”.
Citing RAC analysis, Mr Williams said drivers were now twice as likely to suffer a breakdown due to “substandard road surfaces” compared to 2006.
He added: “While many will rightly say the roads are terrible, we believe the roads would be even worse if it were not for such a mild winter.
“We think drivers have avoided the problem of potholes largely because the lack of sub-zero temperatures has masked the true condition of our roads.”
Read more:
‘Victory’ to dazzle drivers launched in glare of headlights as review
‘Don’t buy cars like this’: Climate activists take on SUV drivers
Robot fills potholes on roads using AI
Cost of improving local roads full of potholes England And wales Estimated at £16.3bn.
In October 2023, the government announced it would provide additional funding to fix potholes in England, totaling £8.3 billion by 2034.
This was part of a strategy by Network North to use the money saved Cancellation of planned expansion of HS2 To Manchester.
A Department for Transport spokesperson said: “Local highway authorities are responsible for maintaining their road networks, but we are supporting them with £8.3 billion of reallocated HS2 funding over the next 10 years, which will fund local road improvements. This is the largest increase in funding ever.” On top of the existing £5.5bn fund.
“Local authorities received the first £150m of this increase within weeks of our extra funding being announced in October, and will receive an additional £150m this year to continue improving local roads.”