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The pothole crisis has incurred UK motorists a staggering cost of £579,000,000 for repairs – and can even be fatal.
If you have driven on any roads throughout the UK, it is likely that you have encountered a pothole or two.
Now, automotive specialists have disclosed the actual expenses associated with potholes nationwide as repair fees surge to unprecedented levels.
It’s not just vehicle operators who face treacherous, pothole-filled roads and the potential dangers that come with them – these hazards pose significant risks to both cyclists and motorcyclists.
The AA reported being called to 643,318 incidents related to potholes last year alone.
While this figure has decreased compared to the previous year, the financial toll of pothole-related damages has grown.
According to the AA, drivers paid an astonishing £579,000,000 in repair expenses last year.
The average repair cost now reaches £300, increasing from the former £250. This surge can be attributed to a mix of inflation, advances in automotive technology, and a shortage of spare parts, as explained by the AA.
Pothole incident tracker
Below is a summary of the incidents tracked by the AA over the past seven years.
- 2018 – 665,702 pothole-related occurrences
- 2019 – 611,895
- 2020 – 489,455
- 2021 – 520,557
- 2022 – 558,052
- 2023 – 647,690
- 2024 – 643,318
You can refer to our guide on how to navigate safely on pothole-infested roads here.
Common damages from potholes typically harm shock absorbers, suspension springs, and can distort wheel alignments. In extreme cases, they can even result in severe injuries or fatalities among cyclists and motorcyclists.
The RAC noted a 17% increase in callouts from October to December compared to the previous three months, following a period of harsh weather and freezing conditions. Last week marked one of their busiest weeks in the last five years.
The most recent statistics emerge just months after a multitude of motorists were affected by a massive pothole on the M25 in Surrey.
Among those affected was Tessa Pearson, 69, who endured six hours stranded on the roadside with her partner. Subsequently, they incurred a £525 charge for new tires and wheel realignments.
In the UK, a total of six cyclists lost their lives and 112 sustained severe injuries due to inadequate road conditions from 2017 to 2021, as highlighted in a report by Cycling Weekly.
The issue has escalated to the point where there is now an annual observance dedicated to raising awareness about potholes – National Pothole Day, which is observed today.
Potholes not only empty the pockets of drivers but also impose a financial burden on UK taxpayers. The estimated cost to restore all pothole-infested roads in England and Wales to a satisfactory state stands at approximately £16,300,000,000.
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Nonetheless, there is a glimmer of hope ‘at the end of the pothole tunnel,’ remarked AA President Edmund King.
One initiative is the Pothole Partnership, which was established a year ago between the AA, British Cycling, JCB, and the National Motorcyclists Council.
He further noted: ‘The Government has heeded the Pothole Partnership and is beginning to implement policies that should result in long-term solutions rather than the current short-term fixes.
‘The positive news is that car incidents related to potholes have decreased, but the unfortunate news is that repair costs have risen. Potholes remain the primary concern for drivers, and more action is needed to enhance this improvement.’
What actions are being taken to resolve potholes?
Local governments have almost £1,600,000,000 at their disposal for roadway upkeep from the government – an increase of £500,000,000 compared to the previous year.
The Department for Transport has previously stated it will guarantee that highway authorities ‘utilize the funds prudently’ and that areas are maintained prior to pothole formation.
A DfT spokesperson commented: ‘For far too long, this nation has endured a pothole epidemic, which is why we’re allocating an additional £500 million next year to assist in filling seven million more potholes.
‘This historic settlement will ensure councils receive their equitable share and can proceed with efforts to fill potholes and resurface roads.
‘Britain deserves superior roads, and it now has a Government dedicated to delivering them.’
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