British drivers are facing a pothole crisis that has seen claims against councils nearly double in three years, new figures reveal. The RAC reports receiving 2.3 million claims in 2022, a staggering 90% increase from 1.2 million in 2019, as deteriorating road conditions force motorists to shoulder the cost of vehicle damage.
The motoring organisation is warning councils they must act urgently to address road conditions and tackle the growing pothole epidemic. It's calling for increased investment in road maintenance and a shift towards proactive repairs—fixing problems before they escalate rather than reacting after damage occurs.
The surge in claims reflects the worsening state of Britain's roads, battered by heavy traffic, inadequate maintenance, and harsh weather conditions. Councils are struggling to cope with the mounting repair bills whilst facing their own budget constraints.
The RAC is urging drivers to report potholes to their local councils and exercise caution on damaged roads. With many councils under severe financial pressure, the pothole problem is set to remain a major headache for Britain's motorists in the years ahead.