September 2023 shows number of potholes increasing significantly
Potholes continue to be an issue for motorists. And it seems that the problem is not getting any better.
Today (30 October 2023), the AA published statistics revealing that Pothole-related incidents are climbing back to pre-pandemic levels – AA Pothole Index. The report indicates that pothole incidents are reaching record levels.
The AA said that last month, despite a dry weather start, it had attended a staggering 47,223 pothole-related breakdowns. This represents an increase of 10% from the same time in 2021 (42,152), making it the worst September since 2018. The average monthly pothole-related breakdowns this year now stands at 50,992, heading for a total of 611,904 in the year.
Cost of potholes to the economy
The cost of potholes to the economy is often overlooked. For example:
- More motorists and cyclists receive more and bigger bills for repairs.
- Increased road accidents weigh heavily on an under-resourced and pressurised NHS.
- Increase in number of cases of councils being sued for pothole-related incidents.
- Councils using the cheapest short-term option of dealing with potholes (filling them) which is a poor long-term investment, as this is not a permanent solution.
- Delayed deliveries.
- Increased fuel consumption.
Weather effects on potholes
Unseasonable weather contributed to 48,994 pothole-related incidents during August 2023, up 13% on 2022, showing an increasing pattern.
Jack Cousens, Head of Roads Policy for the AA, said
“After a dry start to the month and the hope that our roads would receive some much-needed extra pothole maintenance, drivers face the now familiar challenge of trying to spot potholes lurking beneath the surface of rainwater.
With family budgets stretched, thousands of drivers have yet again found themselves needing to find extra funds to repair the damage to their car’s tyres, wheels, or suspension components.”
Funding for potholes
The Government has allocated money for fixing potholes. The first £500 million was announced in February 2021, with an additional £200 million allocated in the May 2023 budget.
Mark Morrell, otherwise known as Mr Pothole, is the nation’s campaigner on this issue. He said of the announcement that an extra £200m for pothole repairs was welcome news but that “to be honest it’s like peeing in the sea, given the multi-billion backlog in roads maintenance.”
He commented
“Filling in potholes is a waste of taxpayers’ money. An annual £3 billion resurfacing programme is needed going forwards. Potholes are only the sign of failing road surface. As quickly as you fill one, another will appear. A resurfaced road lasts longer than continually refilling. Keep patching up carriageways that are past their sell by date is short termism. Badly maintained roads cost our economy billions each year. Long-term investment in resurfacing annually could reduce potholes by 95%, in my opinion. It could also save billions for road users.”
One could say that any fixing is throwing good money after bad.
Cousens said
“The trend of pothole-related breakdowns continues to head in the wrong direction and 2023 still looks to be one of the worst years on record for pothole damage, again highlighting the need for more investment in local roads maintenance funding stronger than ever. We know that longer term funding has been pledged from HS2 savings but the Chancellor has the opportunity to give some short-term pothole relief by announcing more cash for roads in his Autumn Statement.”
How to complain about pot holes
Drivers whose vehicles are damaged by potholes may be able to claim compensation from the relevant authority. Gather evidence including photographs, repair quotes and details of the pothole. Read my full guide on How to complain about pot holes and calim compensation
This short video explains what evidence you need when complaining about pothole damage and making a compensation claim.
@thecomplainingcow 🚨 Hit a pothole? You might be able to claim compensation from the council. Most people pay for repairs themselves without realising they may have legal rights. Here’s how to build a strong pothole claim and the evidence councils DON’T want you collecting. Save & share this with every driver you know. Follow for more consumer rights tips, complaint hacks, and money-saving advice. #potholes #pothole #consumeradvice #driversuk #moneytips
Media appearances discussing potholes and compensation claims
Below is a video of appearing on Sky News discussing pothole complaints, road safety concerns and compensation claims following a serious cycling accident caused by a pothole that had reportedly not been repaired. Pothole that caused serious cyclist crash not fixed.
How to complain about pot holes
Below, Mr Pothole and I are on BBC Breakfast discussing the increasing number of pothole-related incidents and what motorists can do if their vehicle is damaged.
BBC Breakfast National Pothole Day 15/01/23
I regularly appear on television and radio discussing potholes, road safety, motoring complaints and compensation claims as well as other consumer and customer service issues. See media appearances.
Report potholes to help with future complaints
As well as their own inspection programmes, councils also accept notifications of problems directly from the public. Reports help to show that the council were aware of the issue if it remains and they still didn’t fix it.
Use the National Street Gazetteer on FindMyStreet to find out who owns the road and to which local authority you should report the problem, at https://www.findmystreet.co.uk/street-list
Alternatively, use the official Government “Report a pothole”.
Other relevant posts about potholes
Pothole Incidents: October 2023 breaks records according to AA
UK roads crisis – potholes and compensation claims
Help with complaining to companies
Top 20 Tips on how to complain effectively for help on how to complain.
GET THE BOOK! How To Complain: The ESSENTIAL Consumer Guide to Getting REFUNDS, Redress and RESULTS!
Want to get better at complaining? See 101 Habits of an Effective Complainer.
