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

Senior/Principal Regeneration Officer

Fareham Borough Council
£45,465 - £55,379
Our town centre regeneration is moving from planning to delivery, and we're looking for someone who wants to help make regeneration happen. Fareham, Hampshire
Recuriter: Fareham Borough Council

Lawyer

East Cambridgeshire District Council
£38,510 to £44,253 per annum plus benefits
Are you building your legal career and ready to take on broader responsibility? Ely, Cambridgeshire
Recuriter: East Cambridgeshire District Council

Senior Lawyer

East Cambridgeshire District Council
£47,665 to £51,928 per annum plus benefits
We are looking for a confident and experienced Senior Lawyer Ely, Cambridgeshire
Recuriter: East Cambridgeshire District Council

Customer Service Assistant - Brentwood

Essex County Council
Up to £25959 per annum
Customer Service Assistant - BrentwoodFixed Term, Part Time£25,959 per annum(Full time equivalent)Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Senior Practitioner - Children & Young People with Disabilities

Essex County Council
£48205.0000 - £57988.0000 per annum
Senior Practitioner - Children & Young People with Disabilities - Mid EssexPermanent, Full Time£48,205 to £57,988 Per Annum Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner