The Royal Automobile Club (RAC) has sounded the alarm as potholes wreak havoc on UK roads. In the first quarter of 2024, the RAC responded to a staggering 7,904 breakdowns caused by deteriorating road surfaces—a 53% surge compared to the previous three months in 2023. The numbers tell a grim tale: Britain’s thoroughfares are crumbling, and drivers are paying the price.
A Bumpy Ride for Motorists
The RAC’s analysis paints a bleak picture for the nation’s drivers. Over the last 12 months—from April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024—pothole-related breakdowns have surged by 10%, with the RAC attending 27,205 incidents during this period. This figure represents a 2,299 increase-compared to the same timeframe in the previous year (April 2022 to March 2023).
Dodging the Pothole Bullet?
Surprisingly, the RAC suggests that drivers may have narrowly escaped disaster during what is typically the worst quarter of the year. Milder weather conditions led to a 22% drop in patrol call-outs—from 10,076 in the previous year to 7,094 in 2024. But don’t breathe a sigh of relief just yet.
Weather’s Role in Pothole Formation
During winter months, sub-zero temperatures exacerbate road surface damage. Water seeps into cracks, freezes, and expands, creating treacherous potholes. However, in the first three months of 2024, despite an above-average rainfall of 121mm (22% more than usual), the milder weather resulted in only seven frosty days—a departure from the typical average of nine. This limited the formation of new potholes.
The Deceptive Decrease
Despite the apparent decrease in pothole-related breakdowns—ranging from damaged shock absorbers to broken suspension springs and distorted wheels—the RAC’s Pothole Index tells a different story. This index, which gauges the likelihood of encountering these issues, has increased. In other words, drivers are now even more susceptible to damage than they were a year ago.
A Troubling Trend
Comparing today’s woes to 2006, when the RAC first began tracking pothole-related faults, the situation is dire. Drivers are now nearly twice as likely (a staggering 76% increase) to experience pothole damage. The question looms: Are UK roads at a breaking point?
