UK motorists experienced a record number of breakdowns attributed to potholes this summer, according to new data released by the RAC. The motoring organisation reported attending 8,170 incidents between July and September 2023 where vehicle damage was directly linked to poor road surfaces.
This figure marks a significant 20% increase from the 6,807 pothole-related call-outs recorded in the previous quarter (April to June 2023). Crucially, it represents the highest number of such breakdowns during the third quarter of any year since 2018, when the RAC's Pothole Index began tracking these incidents. The data suggests a worsening trend in road quality, despite typically milder summer conditions which might otherwise offer a reprieve from winter-induced road damage.
The types of damage sustained by vehicles often include punctures, bent wheel rims, and issues with suspension components, all of which can be expensive to repair. The RAC has consistently highlighted the long-term implications of underinvestment in road maintenance, warning that a reactive approach to fixing potholes is less effective and more costly than preventative maintenance.
Local authorities are responsible for maintaining the vast majority of the UK's road network. However, councils frequently cite funding shortfalls as a major barrier to addressing the backlog of repairs. The Local Government Association (LGA) has previously called for a long-term funding settlement for roads, arguing that annual, short-term grants make strategic planning difficult.
The Department for Transport allocates funding to local councils for road maintenance, with recent announcements including an additional £200 million for road repairs across England. However, motoring groups and local government bodies often contend that this funding falls short of what is needed to bring roads up to an acceptable standard and prevent further deterioration.
The Labour Party has frequently criticised the Government's record on infrastructure, including road maintenance, arguing that years of underfunding have led to the current state of disrepair. Shadow Transport Secretary, Louise Haigh, has previously called for a national strategy to tackle potholes, emphasising the economic and safety implications for drivers.