AA attended more than 10,000 more pothole related damage breakdowns in March 2023 compared to March 2022, attending an average of 1,870 pothole related incidents per day.
The AA, the UK’s largest breakdown organisation, responded to an average of 1,870 pothole-related incidents daily in March. The AA pothole index reveals a staggering 10,000 pothole damage breakdown increase compared to 2022*.
March, marked by the wettest and coldest conditions in years, exacerbated the challenges for British drivers. Standing water concealed potholes beneath the surface, resulting in a surge in breakdowns and visits to tyre centers and garages. The average cost of a car tyre is £90, and alloy wheels are priced around £250 each. This means that the unfortunate 1,870 motorists encountering potholes daily in March could have collectively faced £168,300 in new tyre bills alone.
A recent ALARM Survey** highlighted a rise in compensation claims for pothole-related incidents, causing local authorities to pay out almost £23 million in the last 12 months. To address this escalating issue, the AA is advocating for a more structured approach to planned road repairs, urging utility companies and councils to collaborate on maintenance schedules. This collaborative effort aims to reduce disruptions for drivers and enhance the standards of road surface reinstatement.
Local authorities filled 1.4 million potholes last year, down by 300,000 from the previous year. On average, a pothole is filled every 22 seconds at a cost of £93.7 million. However, reactive repairs, common in many cases, may not endure as long as planned repairs where the damaged area is systematically removed and refilled.
A one-time catch-up to address the backlog may take up to 11 years, costing £14 billion. In response to budget constraints and an increasing number of potholes, local authorities are experimenting with innovative repair methods, such as JCB’s PotholePro, which can significantly reduce repair times, resulting in more cost-effective and faster repairs, less disruption for drivers, and reduced environmental impact.
Edmund King, AA president, expressed concern, stating, “The current pothole plague firmly puts the UK on the road to despair. The rise in the number of pothole-related incidents is the number one concern for drivers, motorbike riders, and cyclists.” King emphasized the persistent challenges posed by adverse weather and poorly planned roadworks, asserting that effective and lasting solutions are essential to address the worsening condition of problem roads. He also encouraged drivers to ensure adequate breakdown cover, be vigilant to avoid potholes safely, and remain prepared for the aftermath of a pothole-related incident.
source – AA Road to Despair article March 2023
