Ellie Ames 21 August 2023

Wet July sees rise in pothole-related breakdowns

Wet July sees rise in pothole-related breakdowns  image
Image: paul rushton / Shutterstock.com.

This year is looking to be one of the worst on record for damage caused by potholes, according to the AA, after a wet July saw pothole-related breakdowns up by a fifth.

More than 50,000 drivers had journeys brought to a halt because of pothole-related damage this July, compared to 41,790 the July before, according to the AA Pothole Index.

July’s rainfall meant cars were damaged as puddles hid the potholes ‘lurking’ underneath.

The head of roads policy for the AA, Jack Cousens, said councils would have hoped for stretches of dry weather to repair roads ahead of winter. Local authorities will now be under pressure to get work done ‘before the weather really turns against them’, he said.

Mr Cousens added: ‘With 2023 looking to be one of the worst years on record for pothole damage, we need to see more investment in local roads maintenance funding.

‘As well as the financial damage to vehicles, at this time of year we also see more cyclists and motorbike riders on the roads where the damage can sadly be fatal.’

If this article was of interest, then check out our feature, 'The great pothole repair failure.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Residential Assistant

Essex County Council
£25081.00 - £25395.00 per annum
Residential AssistantPermanent, Full Time£25,081 up to £25,395 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Senior Planning Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 11 £39,513 to £43,693 Grade 12 £42,708 to £46,731 per annum (Pay Award Pending)
Durham County Council is looking for experienced and knowledgeable Senior Planning Officers to join our vibrant Development Management team. Our team Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Head of Service – Social Care

Wrexham County Borough Council
G15 £63,148 - £67,058 per annum
There is an exciting opportunity within Children Social Care to join the senior management team Wrexham (Wrecsam)
Recuriter: Wrexham County Borough Council

Head of Service Social Work & Specialist Support

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council
Grade M scp 60 £72,118 - scp 64 £77,293
There couldn’t be a more exciting time to join us. Blackburn, Lancashire
Recuriter: Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council

Cafe Assistant - Weald Country Park

Essex County Council
Up to £13.3000 per hour
Café Assistant (Weald Country Park)Contract
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner