7 October 2024
Pothole-related breakdown callouts have increased by 2% so far this year compared to the same period last year, according to the latest AA Pothole Index. Last month (50,244 incidents) was the highest September on record since 2017 (50,418).
The main incidents relate to punctures, damaged wheels, steering and suspension. Recent heavy rain means many potholes are hidden in puddles.
The new Government is being encouraged to deliver on its pothole manifesto commitments by the Pothole Partnership.
The partnership stresses that permanently fixing the potholes will popular as well reducing casualties and costs to road users.
The partnership also warns that pothole damage is affecting the economy with damage to vehicles hitting a five-year high.
It has been estimated that the pothole crisis is costing the economy of England alone at least £14.4bn per year.*
Previous research shows that the AA dealt with 631,852 pothole related incidents in 2023, the highest for five years.
“Recently we have seen an increase in vehicle pothole damage as the heavy rain means puddles hide the potholes.”
Five-point plan
The Pothole Partnership will be meeting with the Future Roads Minister later this month to present a five-point plan to help tackle the issue. The coalition represents the interests of drivers, motorcyclists, cyclists, pedestrians, and road repairers.
Cycling casualties
A campaign on potholes by Cycling Weekly in 2023 found that 118 bike riders were killed or seriously injured due to a defective road surface between 2017 and 2021, with six tragically losing their lives. Despite an increase in funding committed by the government, it is estimated that the total cost of fixing all current defects could be as high as £14 billion.
Edmund King, AA President, said: “Recently we have seen an increase in vehicle pothole damage as the heavy rain means puddles hide the potholes. The current Government knows that all road users are fed up with potholes and has the opportunity to make a step change in the spiral of decline by adopting and advocating measures to permanently fix the problem rather than the past patchwork approach. It is costing drivers a fortune but tragically costing lives for those on two wheels.”
Craig Carey-Clinch, Executive Director, National Motorcyclists Council, said: “The situation is becoming ever more acute for motorcyclists. Potholes and other road surface related defects are already shown to be extremely dangerous for motorcycle riders. The same pothole that damages a car, could prove fatal to a rider. The NMC fully supports the Pothole Partnership and urges the new administration to put this issue front and centre and to carry forward and front load funding that was previously announced. The problem is now.”
Caroline Julian, External Affairs Director, British Cycling, said: “We know from our members that potholes are a longstanding and ongoing frustration and concern. They have tragic and fatal consequences that cannot be ignored. If we’re serious about fulfilling our ambitions to get more people cycling, we simply must ensure that our roads are safe and comfortable for them to ride on, and not the crater-filled carriageways they currently face.”
Ben Rawding, General Manager, JCB, said: “JCB is delighted to be part of the Pothole Partnership, a group committed to fixing Britain’s roads. The new Government has a real opportunity to tackle the national backlog of potholes properly which will involve investment in innovation and new technologies to ensure permanent fixes, not temporary repairs. Britain’s motorists, motorcyclists and cyclists deserve nothing less.”
The JCB Pothole Pro
The award-winning JCB Pothole Pro is a unique 3 in 1 solution specifically designed to sort out any pothole repair or large reinstatement operation, efficiently, economically, and permanently. Because it comes equipped with 3 dedicated tools to cut, crop and clean, there’s no need for additional specialist equipment or extra manpower, saving both time and money. It can repair a typical pothole in just 8 minutes and provides a permanent fix.
Our Pothole Pledge
Permanent: Local authorities to limit the practice of temporary pothole repairs or patches and, where possible, every pothole or patch to be repaired permanently.
Precise: All local authorities / contractors to adhere to UK-wide repair and inspection standards, and report annually on the repairs undertaken.
Price: Government to demonstrate greater urgency by accelerating and increasing spending of the £8.3bn pothole funding for England in the first three years – with total clarity on the distribution to local authorities.
Provision: Central and local government to guarantee ringfencing of ALL road maintenance funding to help deliver innovations that enable permanent repairs.
Progress: Full transparency from local authorities on their roads repair backlog, categorised by potholes, patching works and road resurfacing.
Prior to the election a survey of more than 11,000 AA members found that the top transport issue for 96% of drivers was Increased investment in repairing and upgrading the roads (i.e., fixing potholes).** Whilst potholes can be a very expensive inconvenience for those on four wheels, it can be life-changing and even fatal for those on two wheels.
The partnership is also supported by TyreSafe, IAM RoadSmart and British Motorcyclists Federation.
** AA Yonder on-line poll from October 6-10, 2023, of 11,678 drivers.
September Pothole Index stats are 3.84% up (50244) when compared to September 2023 (48383), and Jan - September 2024 shows a 2% increase (479,656 vs. 469,776) on the same period in 2023. September 2024 shows the highest number of pothole-related callouts since 2017.