Pothole Dangers for Heavy Good Vehicles

Following the UK's worst snowfall in over 10 years caused by Storm Goretti, deteriorating road conditions and concealed potholes are creating heightened risks for commercial vehicle drivers.  On National Pothole Day (15 January 2026), Peter Simson, Director at Tyron Runflat, inventor of the world's only multi-piece rubber runflat system, outlines the key dangers and safety considerations specifically for HGV motorists. According to the Met Office, last week the UK experienced some of the coldest temperatures of winter, with several locations dipping below -10?C.  "Potholes pose a significant threat to HGVs, primarily causing vehicle damage to tyres, wheels, suspension and steering which leads to costly repairs, resulting in operational delays and safety risks." Peter said. "As temperatures drop below freezing, empty voids are formed under the road surface.

More pothole formation is found during periods of frequent freeze-thaw cycles, which is why we're highlighting the dangers of potholes, and the key considerations for drivers of commercial vehicles." Potholes are formed when water seeps into road cracks and freezes, which expands the crack, and thaws, leaving a gap. Combined with traffic weight and weakened ground, potholes rapidly grow as the process repeats. 

In the Autumn Budget, the government announced that by 2029-30, it will commit over GBP2 billion annually for local authorities to repair, renew and fix potholes on roads. The Department of Transport has just launched a new map system to show how well local councils are tackling potholes, with a red, amber and green grading. Peter added: "Latest government investments are a step in the right direction and will provide local authorities with the resources required to make a real difference.

However, we do fear this could be too little too late as the number of pothole-related accidents continues to rise.   "Impact damage from a pothole may not be visible at the time but wheels, and in particular aluminium wheels, are susceptible to fatigue cracks that worsen over time. This is sometimes confused with slow punctures and may ultimately lead to structural failure of the wheel later. 

"Potholes don't only pose a threat of immediate tyre blowouts; damage to the tyres and wheels is commonplace now, but sever impact may also damage suspension, which can lead to alignment issues resulting in poor handling." Latest findings from RAC estimate there are around six potholes per mile on council-controlled roads in England and Wales. Over the 12 months to the end of September 2025, drivers were direct victims of potholes on a total of 25,758 occasions - an 11 per cent increase on the same period a year earlier. 

Peter concluded: "We have built our business on providing reliable tyre safety solutions, which includes our Tyron Multiband. The Multiband enables the tyre to lock onto the wheel rim in the event of a blowout, preventing catastrophic loss of control which gives the driver a chance to reach a place of safety. To have complete peace of mind, road users must remain vigilant with their tyre checks and ensure they are taking the necessary steps to ensure their vehicles safety." 

To learn more about Tyron Runflat and its Tyron Multiband, visit: www.tyron.co.uk.

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