RAC Sounds Alarm as Pothole Breakdowns Soar by Nearly a Quarter
RAC patrols faced a sharp rise in pothole-related breakdowns in the last three months of 2022. According to new figures released on National Pothole Day, there was a 23% jump compared to the previous quarter. Between October and December, the roadside team dealt with around 20 breakdowns every day – over 1,800 in total – caused by damaged shock absorbers, broken suspension springs, and bent wheels.
This marked the highest number of pothole breakdowns recorded in Q4 since 2019. In contrast, the three months before saw 16 daily call-outs, totaling 1,462.
Winter Freeze Sets Perfect Storm for Potholes
The bitter cold snap in December, combined with wet weather, has set the stage for more potholes to ravage UK roads this spring. Water seeps into road cracks and expands as it freezes, causing road surfaces to crumble faster than ever.
Drivers Dodging Potholes Left, Right and Centre
- 86% of drivers admitted to deliberately steering to avoid potholes over the last year.
- This rises to 90% in rural areas and remains high at 81% in urban zones.
- More than half (55%) slammed local pothole repairs as “poor” or “very poor.”
RAC head of road policy Nicholas Lyes warned,
“The wet weather combined with the coldest start to the year in over a decade means potholes will pepper our roads even more come spring. Drivers face uncomfortable journeys, costly repairs, and a real safety hazard, especially for motorcyclists.”
Calls for Proper Funding as Councils Struggle
Lyes blasted patchy pothole fixes from cash-strapped councils as a short-term fix that never sticks.
“It’s absurd we can’t tackle this age-old problem properly, given how vital roads are to daily life and business. Councils are crying out for more funding, and drivers can only hope 2023 is the year the Government finally steps up.”
With potholes a top motoring bugbear, Brits will be watching closely to see if promised action finally turns the tide on Britain’s crumbling roads.
