- July 2023 breakdowns at 50,079 compared to 41,790 in July
2022
- Month of rain hampered pothole repairs for councils
- “2023 looking to be one of the worst on record for pothole
damage” says head of roads policy
A month of regular rainfall saw pothole related breakdowns rise
by a fifth this July compared to July 2022, according to the AA
Pothole Index*. Last month more than 50,000 drivers had their
journeys brought to a halt due to pothole related damage,
compared to 41,790 the July before.
At the end of July, the AA had attended 362,172 pothole related
incidents, making 2023 the third worst year for pothole
breakdowns after seven months, behind 2017 (366,227) and 2018
(398,832).
During the summer months, councils across the UK would be hoping
for long stretches of dry weather to fix roads ahead of the
winter months. While their progress would have been hindered in
July, it is hoped road maintenance teams can catch up across
August and September.
Jack Cousens, head of roads policy for the AA, said; “July’s
rainfall caused more headaches for drivers last month with tyres,
suspensions and steering mechanisms all being damaged as the rain
and puddles hid the potholes lurking underneath.
“Councils would’ve been hoping for a dry summer so they could get
as much repair work carried out before the real autumn and winter
weather hit. They will now be under more pressure to get their
planned works completed before the weather really turns against
them.
“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.”
ends
NOTES TO EDITORS
* Information taken from AA breakdown data
