Posted: Wed 15th Jan 2025

RAC: Pothole-related breakdowns jump by 17% in final quarter of 2024

News and Info from Deeside, Flintshire, North Wales

Breakdowns caused by potholes increased by 17% in the final three months of 2024 compared to the previous quarter, according to the RAC’s Pothole Index.

The data reveals a troubling trend in the condition of Britain’s roads. RAC patrols attended 4,709 incidents involving damaged shock absorbers, suspension springs, or distorted wheels during this period—669 more than the 4,040 recorded between July and September 2024.

Despite milder winter weather in 2024, including 28% less rainfall and fewer frost days than average, pothole-related breakdowns still rose significantly.

 

This suggests that many roads were already in poor condition, with existing damage worsened by typical winter effects, such as sub-zero temperatures and water freezing and expanding in cracks.

Alice Simpson, RAC Breakdown spokesperson, highlighted the impact of poor road conditions:

“The poor condition of Britain’s roads is by far and away drivers’ top concern. Yet despite the mild weather, our figures show there was no relief from the problem in the final quarter of 2024.

“In the aftermath of this month’s blast of snow and ice, we may see the unwelcome trend continue in 2025 as excess water freezes and expands in cracks on the roads. To prevent water-damaged roads in future, we urge local highways authorities to resurface those in the worst condition and surface dress other roads to stop them deteriorating further.”

Rising Costs for Drivers

The financial burden of pothole damage continues to climb, with repairs costing drivers an average of £460, according to RAC garage data.

This figure is 43% higher than the average pothole compensation claims paid out by councils in 2023, which stood at £260 per claim, based on Freedom of Information data.

The fourth quarter of 2024 also saw a rise in puncture-related breakdowns, with nearly four-in-10 cases (39%) involving punctures caused by potholes, nails, and screws. This marked the highest proportion of puncture-related breakdowns recorded in any quarter last year.

Funding for Road Repairs in Wales

Alongside the UK Government’s £1.6 billion funding allocation for pothole repairs in England, the Welsh Government recently unveiled its own measures to tackle the issue.

As part of its draft budget announcement, £25 million has been earmarked for road improvements and £60 million allocated in local government borrowing to repair potholes and pavements.

These measures aim to fix 100,000 potholes across Wales and address long-standing infrastructure issues caused by more than a decade of funding cuts.

The funding announcement was welcomed by campaigners and organisations calling for greater investment in road maintenance.

Alice Simpson added: “Hopefully the Government funding announced before Christmas will go some way towards literally filling in the cracks, giving road users smoother, safer surfaces. What’s especially positive is that it comes with guidance to use the money wisely by carrying out preventative maintenance, which we hope stops more potholes appearing in the future.”

With severe weather conditions in early 2025 already resulting in one of the RAC’s busiest breakdown periods since the COVID-19 pandemic, there are concerns that pothole-related breakdowns may continue to rise in the coming months.

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