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

Direct Payments Monitoring Officer

Essex County Council
£27869.00 - £32787.00 per annum
Direct Payments Monitoring OfficerPermanent, Full Time£27,869 to £32,787 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Customer Services Assistant

Essex County Council
Up to £25959.00 per annum + full time equivalent
Customer Services AssistantPermanent, Part Time£25,959 per annum (full time equivalent)Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Family Worker (Link Role) - 12 month FTC

Essex County Council
£33049.00 - £37698.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
Family Worker (Link Role)Fixed Term, Full Time£33,049 to £37,698 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Attendance Specialist

Essex County Council
£29512.00 - £34720.00 per annum
Attendance SpecialistPermanent, Full Time£29,512 to £34,720 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Fostering Panel Manager (CDC)

City Of Doncaster Council
Grade 10 - £48,227 - £52,414 (Pay award pending)
As Fostering Panel Manager, you will be responsible for the effective operation and development of the Fostering Panel Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recuriter: City Of Doncaster Council
Linkedin Banner