The RAC reported new figures that present the issue is as dangerous as ever in 2026
It is a acquainted sight throughout the UK (Picture: mikeuk through Getty Photographs)
Heavy rainfall initially of the 12 months led to a surge in motorists encountering potholes hid in puddles, in accordance with current knowledge. The RAC reported that the every day common variety of pothole complaints it obtained from stranded drivers in February was three-and-a-half instances better than the identical month final 12 months.
This was attributed to the “unbelievable quantity of standing water” on roads, which was “hiding potholes”. Provisional Met Workplace figures point out England skilled 42% extra rain than standard between December and February, as a sequence of low-pressure climate programs swept throughout the UK from the Atlantic, bringing repeated bouts of moist and windy circumstances.
The heavy rain was notably noticeable throughout southern and central England. The RAC said that 6,290 of its members cited potholes when reporting breakdowns final month, in contrast with 1,842 in February 2025.
January noticed 5,106 mentions at a every day common of 165, up from 63 in the identical month final 12 months. Frequent car points brought on by potholes embrace broken shock absorbers, damaged suspension springs and bent wheels.
RAC’s head of coverage, Simon Williams, mentioned: “In February, there was an unbelievable quantity of standing water and puddles on our roads, a lot of which had been hiding potholes, which sadly too many drivers fell foul of. Whereas this quantity of rain is difficult for the saturated land to deal with, the RAC suspects that poor drainage can also be accountable, presumably because of councils not finishing up as a lot of those works as they’ve finished prior to now.”
Mr Williams characterised water as “the enemy of the roads” because it infiltrates cracks and – when the temperature plummets under 0C – freezes and expands, resulting in potholes.
He added: “Stopping water from sitting on our native roads is essential to their long-term well being, so it is vital extra work to enhance drainage is carried out. With out this, drivers will proceed to need to fork out their hard-earned cash on fixing their automobiles.”
In line with RAC knowledge, the restore invoice for a automobile struggling extra extreme pothole harm than a puncture can escalate to £590.
Members of the general public had been urged to proceed reporting potholes and different highway harm (Picture: Yui Mok/PA)
Tom Hunt, who presides over the Native Authorities Affiliation’s inclusive development committee, mentioned: “Councils are very conscious of the current and chronic rainfall and the affect on native highways. Native groups are working onerous to repair potholes swiftly.
“Nevertheless, many components have an effect on how shortly roads may be mounted, together with the climate, security dangers, the kind of highway and visitors ranges, to finances pressures. We urge members of the general public to proceed to report potholes and different highway harm.”
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A spokesperson for the Division for Transport mentioned: “We’re offering councils with a document £7.3 billion over the subsequent 4 years to assist them deal with potholes, and it is now over to them to get on with sustaining and upgrading their roads.
“Our new council score system charts how effectively they’re delivering for native individuals, together with their long-term fixes fairly than simply patching up potholes.”
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