The number of breakdowns caused by potholes has hit a three-year high, bringing misery to thousands of motorists.
The increase in the total in the second quarter of the year came after a blast of icy weather in February and March broke up roads.
The news will be little surprise to many motorists who face the problem of driving on bumpy and dangerous local roads. The RAC said councils were ‘not winning the battle’ against the scourge.
Over 4000 calls were made to the RAC in the Spring due to the atrocious roads
Analysis of data from the motoring organisation showed that it received 4,091 call-outs between April and June for damaged shock absorbers, broken suspension springs or distorted wheels – faults caused by poor road surfaces.
And the RAC Pothole Index, a rolling analysis of pothole-related breakdowns, also showed that the total was the most for the second quarter of the year since 2015. The index, described as the ‘most statistically robust assessment of UK road surface conditions’, has had five successive quarters of deterioration. However, the index – which began in 2006 – remains well below the peak of early 2010.
David Bizley, the RAC’s chief engineer, said the disappointing figures were the result of ‘The Beast from the East’ and the ‘generally harsh late winter conditions the country experienced’.
He said: ‘Councils have been working hard to fix potholes and general road surface degradation, but despite further emergency funding from central government, their budgets are even more stretched than in previous years. Our figures demonstrate they are not winning the battle and as a result the safety of too many drivers, cyclists and motorcyclists is being put at risk.
The statistics are alarming as the conditions of the roads continue to deteriorate
‘The overall quality of our roads should be getting better, not worse. Any pothole could at best cause expensive damage to a vehicle, motorbike or bicycle and at worst lead to a fatal accident, with motorcyclists and cyclists at particular risk. Every pothole capable of causing an accident or damage needs to be fixed quickly so it no longer represents a danger to road users.’
Earlier this month, the AA called for learner drivers to have to prove they can spot potholes in order to pass the driving test.
And the Asphalt Industry Alliance warned recently that one in five local roads in England and Wales are in a poor state.
Martin Tett, the Local Government Association’s transport spokesman, said: ‘Councils are fixing a pothole every 21 seconds.
‘But only long-term, consistent and fairer government investment in local road maintenance can allow councils to embark on the widespread improvement of our roads that is desperately needed.’
The Department for Transport said: ‘We have listened to the concerns of road users and are already providing councils in England with over £6billion to help improve the condition of our local highways.’