William Eichler 14 August 2025

AA: Heatwave leads to spike in pothole incidents

AA: Heatwave leads to spike in pothole incidents image
Potholes in the road with approaching car, Hailsham, East Sussex, UK © David Michael Bellis / Shutterstock.com.

The rise in temperatures this summer has led to a spike in pothole-related incidents up and down the country, according to new figures from The AA.

July’s AA Pothole Index revealed the roadside assistance provider was called out to more than 2% more breakdowns involving a pothole than the same time last year.

The AA attributes the jump in incidents to the increased number of road trips, and the impact of higher temperatures on worn tyres and damaged road surfaces.

The index shows that there were 49,081 pothole-related incidents in July 2024 and 50,091 in July 2025 – a 2.05% increase.

Despite the July spike, the index shows that the number of incidents between January and July 2025 (380,569) were down by 7.65 when compared with the same period last year (351,445).

The reduction in the number of incidents involving potholes during the first half of the year was due to the impact of more extensive road repairs and increased financial support, according to The AA.

The Pothole Partnership, an alliance including The AA, JCB, British Cycling, and the National Motorcyclists Council, warned the combined impact of extreme weather and neglected infrastructure places all road users at heightened risk.

A spokesperson for the Local Government Association (LGA) said: ‘Councils take their responsibilities to maintain and upkeep roads seriously. As changing weather patterns impact roads, local government seeks to innovate and find new ways to respond to the issue.’

They continued: ‘Greater long term funding certainty, with local roads receiving a fairer share of the £24bn roads fund over the next five years, will enable councils to invest in more preventative treatments. This is needed if we are to begin making headway with the £16.8bn local roads repair backlog.’

Download your free copy of How to Fix Local Roads now.

Skills Pipelines: What local government needs to know image

Skills Pipelines: What local government needs to know

Councils and mayors are to be handed a central role in developing skills pipelines for local industries, as the Government unveils what it calls a ‘fundamental change’ to the education system aimed at tackling youth unemployment. Here's what council leaders and officers need to know.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Approved Mental Health Professional/ Social Worker - AMHP

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£44,982 - £54,507 (plus £3,000 annual AMPH al
Approved Mental Health Professional/ So... Wandsworth, London
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Chief Executive

North Yorkshire Council
£205,749 to £224,986
North Yorkshire Council is seeking an exceptional leader to become our next Chief Executive. Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Social Worker - Children in Care, Mid Essex

Essex County Council
£38487.0000 - £51834.0000 per annum
Social Worker - Children in Care, Mid Essex Please note this vacancy is available as a fixed term contract or secondment opportunity for up to 18 Mont England, Essex, Chelmsford
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Recruitment Training and Support Officer (Fostering)

Essex County Council
£26284.0000 - £33256.0000 per annum
Recruitment Training and Support Officer (Fostering)Permanent, Full Time£26,284 to £33,256 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Travel Trainer (Ealing)

Essex County Council
Up to £28621.00 per annum
Travel Trainer (Ealing)Permanent, Full Time£28,621 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner