RAC patrols attended 10,000 breakdowns caused by potholes and road defects in just three months of 2020 - a 20% surge that reveals the alarming deterioration of Britain's road network.
The motoring organisation's third-quarter data shows vehicles are increasingly suffering bent wheel rims, damaged tyres and suspension problems due to crumbling road surfaces. The sharp rise from 2019 figures highlights persistent maintenance failures despite local authority efforts across the country.
The RAC's findings echo warnings from the Asphalt Industry Alliance, which estimates a decade-long repair backlog across England and Wales costing over £10 billion to fix. Local councils face severe budget constraints that prevent comprehensive repairs, with Department for Transport data showing patchy investment levels across different regions.
The Government has pledged infrastructure improvements and allocates maintenance funding to councils through specific grants. Yet local authorities argue these sums fall short of addressing years of underinvestment and rising traffic volumes. Labour and Liberal Democrat MPs have criticised the lack of consistent, long-term funding strategies.
For motorists, the impact extends beyond costly repairs and inconvenience. Deteriorating roads create safety hazards, particularly for vulnerable cyclists and motorcyclists who face greater risks from surface defects. The RAC report underscores the mounting challenge facing central and local government in maintaining safe, efficient roads for all users.