Tackling the Pothole Crisis: A Call for Government Action

Back in April we did a blog post on the increasing rise of potholes and its seemingly an issue that is getting worse.

Recent reports are stating that the rising pothole crisis is causing significant damage to vehicles and posing serious safety risks across the UK. As the situation worsens, the government is being urged to take immediate and decisive action. Let's delve into the current state of affairs and explore the key demands being made to address this pressing issue.

The Pothole Problem

Damage to vehicles from poor road surfaces reached a staggering £474 million last year and an AA poll revealed that 96% of drivers consider potholes the most critical transport issue.

The Pothole Partnership’s Five-Point Plan

To combat the growing pothole problem, the Pothole Partnership—a coalition formed by the AA, the National Motorcyclists Council, British Cycling, and JCB—has proposed a comprehensive five-point plan:

1. Permanent Repairs: The partnership urges local authorities to limit temporary pothole repairs or patches. Where possible, every pothole or patch should be repaired permanently to prevent recurring issues.
2. Standardised Repairs and Inspections: Councils and contractors should adhere to UK-wide repair and inspection standards. This would ensure consistency and quality in road maintenance efforts.
3. Annual Reporting: Local authorities should report annually on the repairs undertaken, providing greater transparency regarding their repair backlog, patching works, and road resurfacing projects.
4. Increased Funding: The government must accelerate and increase funding for pothole repairs in England. By securing and possibly ringfencing this funding, innovations that enable permanent repairs can be implemented more effectively.
5. Transparency and Accountability: There should be greater transparency on repair activities, allowing the public to see where and how repairs are being made. This would also involve a clear report on the extent of the repair backlog.

The Cost of Inaction

According to reports, the AA dealt with 631,852 pothole-related incidents in 2023, marking the highest number in five years. The financial and safety implications are severe, with drivers facing hefty repair bills and motorcyclists' lives at risk due to dangerous road conditions.

Driving Forces Behind the Crisis

The demand for permanent pothole solutions is not just a political issue; it is a public necessity. As highlighted in our previous blog post, "The Rise of the Potholes," the impact on drivers and their vehicles is profound. The need for sustainable solutions has never been more critical.

A Call to Action

There are increasing calls for the Government to prioritise this issue and implement the Pothole Partnership’s five-point plan. Addressing the pothole crisis with permanent solutions will not only improve road safety but also save drivers money and enhance overall road conditions across the country.

Don’t forget to keep an eye on our blog for up-to-date developments on issues like this and other industry news.