Pothole-related breakdown numbers rise in 2024
Pothole-related breakdown numbers were up by 17% in the final three months of 2024, according to breakdown data from the RAC’s Pothole Index.
RAC patrols attended 4,709 breakdowns between October to December last year. This is up from 4,040 in the previous three months.
Many of these breakdowns were the result of damaged shock absorbers, broken suspension rings and distorted wheels caused by poor quality roads. Meanwhile, 39% of breakdowns were for punctures caused by potholes and other factors such as nails or screws.
According to repairer data analysed by the RAC, drivers can expect bills of £460 to fix cars with any damage caused by potholes that is more severe than a puncture. This is around 43% more than the average cost of pothole compensation claims paid out by councils to drivers in 2023 at £260 per claim, according to FOI data
It is now warning that the number of pothole breakdowns could increase further this year following the recent severe weather conditions.
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 – with our patrols attending more pothole-related breakdowns compared to three months earlier.
“In the aftermath of this month’s blast of snow and ice, we may see the unwelcome trend continue in 2025 as excess water freezes and expands in cracks on the roads. 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. The £1.6bn allocated to pothole repairs is the biggest one-off road maintenance settlement councils in England have ever been given. 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.”
