UK pothole crisis costs economy £30bn a year

According to the RAC, patrols handled 24,763 pothole-related incidents in the 12 months to 30 June 2025, an increase of more than 500 compared to the previous year. In the second quarter alone, RAC teams attended 6,575 breakdowns involving damaged shock absorbers, broken suspension springs and bent wheels - a 9% rise on the same period in 2024 and the highest quarterly total since Q2 2023. Separate data obtained by the RAC through Freedom of Information requests suggests there may be more than one million potholes across the UK, with motorists encountering an average of six per mile on council-controlled roads in England and Wales.

The problem has left drivers paying around GBP460 on average to repair damage, while successful council compensation claims are typically settled for only GBP260. The Road Haulage Association (RHA) warned that poorly maintained roads increase the cost of doing business, with congestion and road damage costing the UK economy more than GBP30bn annually. James Barwise, RHA policy lead, said:

"We want to see local authorities equipped with the latest technology for longer lasting and more cost-effective road maintenance.

We urge DfT to work with local decision-makers to fast-track these processes."

RAC head of policy Simon Williams added:

"The reactive-only maintenance approach which so many local authorities rely on is particularly expensive, as it means only a small proportion of the road network is actually being treated. This has very clearly contributed to the situation we are in today with large volumes of potholes and roads in poor condition."

The Road Surface Treatments Association (RSTA) has echoed the RAC's concerns, with chief executive Mike Hansford stating:

"It is essential to invest in cost effective preventative road surface treatments to seal the road; preventing water ingress, and to act as a barrier to the elements and the effects of trafficking, keeping roads in good condition for longer."

The Department for Transport (DfT) has pledged GBP24 billion to maintain and improve roads over the next five years, including a dedicated GBP1.6 billion for pothole repairs by 2026. A DfT spokesperson said:

"Preventative maintenance is key to tackling potholes and keeping roads in good condition, which is why councils must show their progress in carrying out this work or risk losing a quarter of this year's record funding boost."

Local authorities argue they need long-term certainty and a fairer share of road funds to invest in preventative programmes.

Data shows wide regional disparities: Derbyshire reported more than 90,000 potholes, the highest in England, while Stoke-on-Trent recorded average repair times of 657 days.

With heavy traffic, harsh winters and funding pressures all contributing to deteriorating road conditions, industry groups warn that without systemic change, the UK's pothole problem will continue to erode infrastructure, inflate costs for hauliers, and undermine road safety.

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