The UK’s pothole-plagued roads have reached a staggering cost of almost £17bn, with millions more needed to repair the damage. As drivers face increasing financial burdens, experts warn that the situation is only set to worsen unless long-term funding is secured.
The cost of fully fixing the pothole-plagued local roads of England and Wales has reached a new high of almost £17bn, according to the latest industry report. This figure is despite increased government funds to target road repairs – and one pothole being filled every 18 seconds.
A bleak picture for drivers looks like this: Motoring organisations say the situation looks ‘bleak‘ for drivers, with many suffering from pothole damage to their vehicles. The AA previously reported that as many as one in three had suffered pothole damage, highlighting a growing concern among motorists. According to the Asphalt Industry Alliance’s annual local authority road maintenance report, 1.9m potholes were filled last year at a cost of £137.4m.
Potholes can cause significant damage to vehicles, including tire blowouts, wheel damage, and suspension problems.
According to a study by the American Automobile Association (AAA), pothole-related repairs cost drivers an average of $300 per incident.
The frequency and severity of potholes are often linked to inadequate road maintenance and poor infrastructure planning.
In urban areas, potholes can be particularly problematic due to heavy traffic and aging road surfaces.
Cold and wet weather, heavy traffic, wear and tear, and poor road construction all contribute to potholes. The lack of investment in roads is exacerbating the problem, leading to bigger repair costs down the line. As Simon Williams, head of policy at the RAC, said: ‘The lack of investment in our roads is a false economy as it just leads to bigger repair costs in the future – something local authorities can ill-afford.‘
Local Government Association’s transport spokesperson, councillor Adam Hug, has called for a long-term financial package to tackle the backlog and put it into reverse. The government has pledged £1.6bn to help local authorities resurface local roads and fix the equivalent of up to 7m extra potholes over the next financial year.
Nicholas Lyes, director of the road safety charity Iam RoadSmart, highlighted that potholes pose a serious road safety hazard for cyclists. The repair company Kwik Fit estimated that total costs for motorists from pothole damage to vehicles last year were £1.7bn, with an average bill of £144.
Potholes are more than just a nuisance on the road.
They pose significant hazards to drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists.
According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), over 200 million potholes exist in the United States alone.
A single pothole can cause tire damage, wheel alignment issues, and even accidents.
In fact, a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that potholes are responsible for over 20% of all vehicle damage claims.
Furthermore, poor road conditions like potholes can lead to injuries or fatalities in pedestrian and cyclist accidents.
The Asphalt Industry Alliance’s report revealed that almost one-sixth of local roads – the equivalent of almost 35,000 miles – would need re-laying within five years. This highlights a ‘bleak picture‘ for drivers and underscores the need for sustained investment in road maintenance.
Regular road maintenance is crucial for ensuring public safety and extending the lifespan of infrastructure.
It involves repairing potholes, resurfacing roads, and addressing drainage issues.
According to the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), inadequate road maintenance can lead to accidents, traffic congestion, and economic losses.
In 2020, the United States spent an estimated $143 billion on transportation infrastructure, with a significant portion allocated for road maintenance.
