William Eichler 23 April 2024

RAC: Drivers ‘dodged the pothole bullet’

RAC: Drivers ‘dodged the pothole bullet’  image
Image: O de R / Shutterstock.com.

Vehicle owners ‘dodged the pothole bullet’ in what is normally the worst three months of the year for breakdowns, according to the RAC.

The RAC attended nearly 8,000 breakdowns in the first quarter of 2024 due to the plague of potholes that riddle the UK road network.

However, milder weather led to patrol call-out rates dropping by 22% from 10,076 last year to 7,904 in 2024.

RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: ‘While our data shows pothole damage to vehicles in the first three months of this year is lower than it was in the same period in 2023, it’s important not to lose sight of the bigger picture and the ongoing miserable state of our roads.

‘The analysis clearly shows drivers are now twice as likely to suffer a breakdown due to sub-standard road surfaces as they were in 2006.’

The latest ALARM survey, which is carried out annually by the Asphalt Industry Alliance (AIA), found that less than half (47%) of all local roads are reported to be in good structural condition.

If this article was of interest, then check out AIA chair Rick Green's feature, The great pothole repair failure.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Assistant Director Children’s Partnerships and Sufficiency

North Yorkshire Council
£100,545 to £111,533 plus relocation support  
North Yorkshire is England’s largest county and a beautiful, vibrant place to live and work. Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Deputy Chief Executive – Corporate & Communities

South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse district councils
£146,697
As Deputy Chief Executive – Corporate & Communities, you will guide cultural transition, manage competing priorities Oxfordshire
Recuriter: South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse district councils

Residential Support Worker - Development Programme

Durham County Council
£26,403 - £28,598
Residential Support Workers – Temporary 12 Month development opportunity Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Domestic Assistant

Durham County Council
£24,796 - £25,185 pro rata p.a
If you are someone who takes pride in creating clean, safe, and welcoming environment and enjoy making a difference in people’s daily lives through at Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Cleaning Assistant

Durham County Council
Grade 1 £24,796 p.a. pro rata to hours worked (£12.85 per hour)
Are you looking for work that fits around your schedule and lifestyle? A permanent post is available at The Grove Primary School, Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner