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

Executive Director of Place and Customer

Essex County Council
up to £179,404 per annum
Shape the Future of Essex. Drive climate action. Deliver for our communities. Essex
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Director of Social Work and Social Care

Trafford Council
£100,731 to £104,625
You will join a values-driven senior leadership team, providing visible and responsive leadership. Manchester
Recuriter: Trafford Council

Housing Ombudsman

Housing Ombudsman Service
£130,095 per annum, negotiable based on experience.
The Housing Ombudsman Service allows colleagues to choose if they wish to work in the London office, from home or a hybrid of the two London (Greater)
Recuriter: Housing Ombudsman Service

Associate Director – Adult Social Care Operations

Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council
£108,015 – £118,680 pa
Dudley Council is seeking an exceptional Associate Director for Adult Social Care Operations Dudley, West Midlands / Hybrid
Recuriter: Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council

Associate Director - Strategic Commissioning, Partnerships, Improvement and Innovation

Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council
£108,015 – £118,680 plus benefits
At Dudley Council, we are proud to be an organisation rooted in community, collaboration and ambition. Dudley, West Midlands / Hybrid
Recuriter: Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council
Linkedin Banner