On National Pothole Day, new statistics from the AA and RAC highlight the growing challenges faced by UK drivers due to poorly maintained roads.
With a slight decline in pothole-related incidents, the cost of repairs has surged, straining motorists and councils alike. Government funding of £1.6bn aims to address the crisis, but experts stress that innovation and sustainable solutions are needed to deliver lasting improvements.
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The state of Britain’s roads continues to spark concern as the AA and RAC released new figures on National Pothole Day (15 January).
In 2024, the AA attended 643,318 pothole-related breakdowns – a 0.7% decrease from 2023. However, the average repair cost rose by 20%, from £250 to £300, driven by inflation, supply chain delays, and advanced vehicle technology, pushing the annual national repair bill to £474 million.
The RAC reported a sharp 17% increase in pothole-related incidents during Q4 2024, with patrols attending 4,709 cases of damaged suspension springs, shock absorbers, and distorted wheels. Despite mild weather conditions, road surfaces failed to improve. Experts warn that severe recent weather could exacerbate the issue in 2025.
The government’s £1.6bn road maintenance fund for 2025/26 includes a £500m uplift from the Autumn Budget, marking a nearly 50% increase in funding compared to the previous year. This commitment, which follows Labour’s manifesto pledge to fix an additional one million potholes annually, could repair over seven million potholes in the coming financial year.
RAC Breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson commented:
“Hopefully the government funding announced before Christmas will go some way towards literally filling in the cracks, giving road users smoother, safer surfaces. The £1.6bn allocated to pothole repairs is the biggest one-off road maintenance settlement councils in England have ever been given.”
While funding is welcomed, both the RAC and AA stress the need for proactive and permanent repairs over temporary fixes. The Pothole Partnership’s research revealed inconsistencies in local authority repair standards, with 78 different measures in use and some councils neglecting to track repair durability.
The Asphalt Industry Alliance (AIA) emphasises the need for long-term, targeted funding to tackle the £16bn repair backlog. David Giles, chair of the AIA, stated:
“If we want to see improved conditions, local authorities need sustained, targeted and accountable funding… delivering better value for money for public funds allocated.”
Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood celebrated National Pothole Day by visiting JCB’s Derby facility to witness its ‘Pothole Pro’ in action. Capable of fixing a pothole in just eight minutes for approximately £30, this machine exemplifies how innovation can support road repairs.
Greenwood remarked:
“We’ll continue to engage with local leaders and industry to ensure innovations are being used to deliver roads the country deserves.”
Dashcam maker Nextbase launched an online directory enabling users to submit footage of potholes directly to local authorities. The tool builds on its successful National Dashcam Safety Portal, which has streamlined dangerous driver reporting for police.
Nextbase’s head of road safety, Bryn Brooker, said:
“With over a million potholes across the UK, councils need all the help they can get… We’re making it simple for [drivers] to put this data to good use.”
A survey by Close Brothers Motor Finance ranked potholes as the third biggest concern for UK drivers in 2025, trailing behind rising fuel prices and car insurance hikes. Over a quarter of respondents (27%) expressed worry about potholes damaging their vehicles, reflecting the widespread impact of poor road conditions.
What’s the scale of pothole damage in the UK?
In 2024, the AA attended 643,318 pothole-related incidents, while the RAC recorded a 17% rise in such breakdowns during Q4.
What is the cost to drivers?
Repair costs rose to an average of £300 in 2024, pushing the total national repair bill to £474m.
What is the government doing to help?
A record £1.6bn road maintenance fund has been allocated for 2025/26, with a focus on proactive and permanent repairs.
How is technology helping?
Innovations like JCB’s Pothole Pro and Nextbase’s dashcam directory aim to streamline repairs and reporting.
