Call for urgent action over pothole repairs

After it was revealed that the RAC attended double the amount of pothole breakdowns in the first three months of 2025, compared to the previous quarter.

RHA policy lead, James Barwise, said: “With poorly maintained roads causing misery daily for road users, creating delays, diversions and adding to already high costs for businesses, we need to see urgent action to find solutions.

“That means local authorities equipped with the latest technology and training for longer lasting and more cost-effective road maintenance. We urge DfT to work with local decision-makers to fast-track this process.”

The RAC said it attended 9,439 breakdowns due to poor-quality roads in first quarter of 2025

Call-outs for damaged shock absorbers, broken suspension springs or distorted wheels – the breakdowns most likely to be caused by wear and tear from poor road surfaces – also increased by 19% (1,535 RAC rescues) when compared to the same period (January to March) in 2024.

The number of pothole breakdowns in the first quarter of 2025 equates to 1.5% of all RAC breakdowns – an increase on the fourth quarter of 2024 (0.8%) and the first three months of 2024 (1.1%).

RAC data also shows that drivers whose cars have suffered damage as a result of poor roads will have to pay an average of £460 for anything more serious than a puncture.

RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: “Our patrols have been to the aid of almost 10,000 members in the first three months of this year who have broken down due to effects of driving on substandard roads – a huge rise compared to the same period a year ago.

“While we know the Government has just given a record amount of funding to English councils to sort out their roads, the latest Department for Transport (DfT) data shows there’s plenty this money needs to be spent on, as a fifth of councils have more than 10% of their minor road networks in 'red' or 'poor' condition.”

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