Motoring groups see bumpy picture on pothole repairs

15/01/2025 | CHRIS AMES

Motoring groups see bumpy picture on pothole repairs

Motoring organisations have reported a mixed picture of ‘pothole-related’ call-outs last year, with the AA seeing a small drop for the year as a whole and the RAC reporting a 17% jump in the final three months.

In announcements to mark National Pothole Day on Wednesday, both organisations reported a rise in the cost of vehicle repairs and repeated calls for longer-term and preventative measures.

The Pothole Partnership, comprising The AA, British Cycling, JCB and the National Motorcyclists Council and other organisations, said it was ‘pressing local authorities to up their game to the standards of the best by investing in more technology, proactive repairs’.

The AA said its patrols attended 643,318 pothole-related incidents in 2024, compared to 647,690 in 2023.

‘Typically these are damaged tyres, wheels, steering or suspension,’ it said.

AA president Edmund King said: ‘There is some light at the end of the pothole tunnel. The Government has listened to the Pothole Partnership and is beginning to instigate policies that should lead to longer term fixes rather than the recent patchwork approach.

‘The good news is that pothole-related car incidents have declined but the bad news is that the cost of repairs has increased.’

The RAC said its patrols helped 4,709 drivers for damaged shock absorbers, broken suspension springs or distorted wheels from October to December, which was 669 more than the 4,040 recorded in the third quarter of 2024.

In addition, during the same period, almost four in 10 breakdowns (39%) it attended were a result of punctured tyres, due to potholes along with other factors like nails and screws.

This was the highest proportion of breakdowns caused by punctures in any quarter during 2024.

The motoring organisation said pothole breakdowns could increase even more this year following recent severe weather.

RAC Breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson said: ‘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.

‘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.

‘Hopefully the Government funding announced before Christmas will go some way towards literally filling in the cracks, giving road users smoother, safer surfaces.'

She added: ‘What’s especially positive is it comes with guidance to use the money wisely by carrying out preventative maintenance, which we hope stops more potholes appearing in the future.’

Highways InProfile

latest magazine issue
Highways jobs

Engineer, Highways Asset Maintenance CDC

Grade 9, £38,653 - £42,728
City of Doncaster employs around 4,300 staff, who work together with Team Doncaster partners Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recruiter: City Of Doncaster Council

Head of Fleet and Depot Services

Circa £80,000
It couldn’t be a better time to join Merton Council. Merton, London (Greater)
Recruiter: London Borough of Merton

Fleet Officer

£34,416 - £35,448
We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Fleet Officer to join our team. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recruiter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Team Leader LGV Driver

£27,711 - £30,559, Grade 6, 37 hours, Permanent
An exciting opportunity exists in the Council’s Street Scene Services for a Team Leader LGV Driver Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recruiter: Wakefield Council

Team Leader LGV Driver (Seasonal Post)

£20,783.25 - £22,919.25, Grade 6, 27.25 hours, Permanent
An exciting opportunity exists in the Council’s Street Scene Services for a Team Leader LGV Driver Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recruiter: Wakefield Council

Network Manager

Grade 14, £56,385 to £60,592 per annum
Ready for your next big challenge in highways management? Isle of Wight
Recruiter: Isle of Wight Council

Transport Strategy Officer

Grade 12, £45,647 to £47,966 per annum
The council are looking for a Transport Strategy Officer who will play a leading role in what is both locally and nationally a very dynamic area. Isle of Wight
Recruiter: Isle of Wight Council

Traffic & Network Engineer

£31067 to £37937 Per annum
Traffic & Network Engineer Portsmouth
Recruiter: Portsmouth City Council

Highway Asset Officer (Design/Delivery)

£34,314 - £37,938 per annum
Are you passionate about making a difference in your community? Devon
Recruiter: Devon County Council

Trainee Sign Shop Technician

£25998 - £31469
Job TitleTrainee Sign Shop Tec... Wandsworth, London, UK
Recruiter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Senior Highways Technician x 2 positions - WMF1684e

£33,366 - £34,314
We are looking for strong communicators, as you will provide advice and guidance to colleagues. Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Programme Control Officer - Capital Programmes - WMF1686e

£37,035 - £37,938
The Programme Control Officer role will mainly be focussed on managing and controlling a wide variety of programme delivery information. Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Highways Officer - South

G7
Lincolnshire County Council
Recruiter: Lincolnshire County Council

Assistant Highways Officer - South

£26,409 - £29,093
Lincolnshire County Council would like to know how you feel about potholes! Lincolnshire / South
Recruiter: Lincolnshire County Council

Assistant Highways Officer - West

£26,409 - £29,093
Lincolnshire County Council would like to know how you feel about potholes! Lincolnshire / West
Recruiter: Lincolnshire County Council

Assistant Highways Officer - North

£26,409 - £29,093
Lincolnshire County Council would like to know how you feel about potholes! Lincolnshire / North
Recruiter: Lincolnshire County Council

Assistant Highways Officer - East

£26,409 - £29,093
Lincolnshire County Council would like to know how you feel about potholes! Lincolnshire / East
Recruiter: Lincolnshire County Council

Structures Assistant Engineer

£34,314 to £37,938 p.a. Grade 9
Highways Services at Durham County Council are responsible for the maintenance of the Highway Infrastructure across County Durham, including approxima Durham
Recruiter: Durham County Council

Senior Engineer (Consultancy)

£43,693 - £50,788
e are seeking a positive, experienced, enthusiastic, talented, and driven professional who cares about the development of our great city Coventry, West Midlands
Recruiter: Coventry City Council

Senior Development Management Engineer

£37,938 - £44,711
We are seeking a positive, experienced, enthusiastic, talented, and driven professional who cares about the development of our great city Coventry, West Midlands
Recruiter: Coventry City Council
SUBSCRIBE NOW

Latest Video

Subscribe to Highways today to ensure you keep your finger on the pulse of everything happening in the UK road network throughout the year.

SUBSCRIBE NOW