Two out of five drivers suffer pothole damage

10/03/2016 | HIGHWAYS REPORTERS

A survey carried out by the AA has revealed that almost two out of every five drivers had their vehicles damaged by potholes over the past two years.

Thirty-nine per cent of AA members have had their tyres, wheels, bodywork or other parts of their vehicles damaged after hitting a pothole in the past 24 months. The incidents led to crashes on 24 occasions, the owners claim.

Of the 9,723 drivers, from an AA Populus panel sample of 25,208 respondents (16-23 February 2016), whose vehicles came to grief after encountering a pothole:


  • 39% suffered just tyre damage,


  • 18% had to deal with a damaged tyre and wheel,


  • 28% a damaged tyre, wheel and tracking,


  • 13% other damage, such as suspension


  • 4% had to make bodywork repairs, on top of other damage


A staggering 46% of car, van and motor cycle owners in Scotland have had their vehicles damaged by potholes in the past two years. Drivers in other parts of the UK have fared little better, with percentages of those affected showing:


  • Scotland – 46%


  • Yorkshire and Humberside – 41%


  • North West, East Midlands, South East – 40%


  • South West – 38%


  • West Midlands – 37%


  • North East – 35%


  • Wales and Northern Ireland – 34%


  • East Anglia – 33%


  • London – 32%


AA president Edmund King said: “Government special pothole crisis funds in recent years have been welcome but have only papered over the cracks on Britain’s roads. Autumn statement figures show that the financial year 2014/15 was estimated to have raised £27.2 billion from fuel duty, almost as much as business rates’ £27.3bn and not far off council tax receipts of £27.9bn. Yet, in 2013/14, there was a £273m reduction in local authority expenditure on routine maintenance compared to the higher spending years in the last decade. Austerity-driven cuts in highway maintenance budgets just delay the inevitable – crumbling roads, vehicle damage and then emergency maintenance.

"As a priority, local authorities need to get to grips with fundamental road maintenance such as poor drainage and fixing crumbling and pothole-ridden surfaces. Cynically, drivers may be beginning to wonder if excessive traffic calming is actually more about trying to reduce the impact and subsequent compensation claims when vehicles and bicycles fall in the potholes that appear every winter.”

Responding to an AA survey on potholes, Local Government Association transport spokesman Cllr Peter Box said: "Councils fix more potholes than ever – one every 15 seconds – and keeping roads safe is one of the most important jobs we do.

"However, the £12 billion backlog of road repairs would already take councils more than a decade to clear. Councils are doing their best to focus their limited resources on carrying out more cost-effective and longer-term improvements. Current funding levels, however, and the size of the backlog mean they can only keep pace with patching up our roads and filling potholes.

"Long-term and consistent investment in local road maintenance is desperately needed in the Budget to improve road conditions for all users."

Highways InProfile

latest magazine issue
Highways jobs

PRINCIPAL TRANSPORT PLANNING OFFICER

£43693 - £46731
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced professional to join our team in Hull as a Principal Transport Planning Officer. Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire
Recruiter: Hull City Council

HIGHWAYS AND TRAFFIC ENGINEER - 4 POSTS

£43693 - £46731
We have several exciting opportunities for suitably qualified Highways Civil Engineers and Traffic Engineers Wilson Centre, 1st floor, Hull HU1 2AG
Recruiter: Hull City Council

Principal Transport Planner

£45,718 to £49,764
Do you have considerable experience in the transport strategy and policy, and are you looking for your next career development opportunity? Sheffield, South Yorkshire
Recruiter: Sheffield City Council

Structures Delivery Manager

Grade 13 £47,653 - £51,296 per annum (pay award pending)
We’re looking for an experienced and motivated Structures Delivery Manager to lead the delivery of structural asset investment Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Head of Highway Operations

Grade 15 £61,048 - £66,960 per annum (Pay award pending)
Here at Derbyshire County Council, we have been on a journey to transform the way we deliver highway services Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Project Lead - Bridges and Structures WMF3037e

£45,718 to £46,731
We are currently seeking to recruit a Project Lead to join our Bridges and Structures team Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Traffic Management Technician - WMF3040e

£27,711 - £28,624
Are you an organised and motivated individual who wants to make a difference to how our roads are managed? Cumbria / Various
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Traffic Management Officer - WMF2114e

£37,035 - £37,938
Are you an experienced and motivated professional looking to take the next step in your traffic management career? Cumbria / Various
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Project Delivery Senior Team Leader

£74,480 - £85,964
Are you an experienced Chartered Civil Engineer (or equivalent professional qualification) Glasgow City
Recruiter: Transport Scotland

Assistant Traffic Management Technician - WMF2104e

£25,584 - £25,992
Westmorland and Furness Council is seeking an organised and enthusiastic individual to join our South Lakeland team Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Project Delivery Team Leader

£57,710 - £71,842
Are you an experienced Chartered Civil Engineer (or equivalent professional qualification). Glasgow City
Recruiter: Transport Scotland

Traffic Management Officer - WMF2102e

£37,035 - £37,938
This is a key role supporting the delivery a wide range of traffic and road safety schemes. Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Shared Service Manager (Waste) North Herts Council

£52000 - £61000 per annum
Shared Service Manager (Waste) North Herts CouncilNorth Herts CouncilPermanent, Full Time£52,866 - £61,866 per annum, plus car allowance (pay award pe England, Hertfordshire, Letchworth Garden City
Recruiter: Essex County Council

Traffic Management Officer - WMF2102e

£37,035 - £37,938
This is a key role supporting the delivery a wide range of traffic and road safety schemes. Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Assistant Traffic Management Technician - WMF2104e

£25,584 - £25,992
This is a key support role, helping to deliver a wide range of traffic and road safety schemes across South Lakeland. Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Flood Risk Engineering and Strategy Officer

£49,764 - £55,623
In line with our One Coventry Values, we want to ensure that our communities are represented across our workforce Coventry, West Midlands
Recruiter: Coventry City Council

Engineer

£44,430 - £51,663
This post is within the Highways Design and Delivery Team. London (Greater)
Recruiter: Tower Hamlets London Borough Council

Head of Highways Operations

Salary
Somerset Council
Recruiter: Somerset Council

Highway Network Technician - WMF2090e

£27,711 - £28,624
We are looking to recruit a friendly and motivated candidate to join our Highways Maintenance Team as Highways Network Technician. Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness 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