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Pothole menace: Drivers warned as AA sees sharp rise in call outs

Paloma Kubiak
Written By:
Paloma Kubiak
Posted:
Updated:
15/11/2022

The AA has reported attending an extra 225 pothole breakdowns a day this month as rain and standing water hide the menace from sight.

The breakdown firm said crumbling and “awful” road conditions together with heavy rain have hidden potholes from drivers’ sight.

It revealed it is attending at extra 225 breakdowns every day due to blow outs, punctures and suspension damage caused by potholes.

The graph below outline the AA’s usual call outs and those by drivers impacted by potholes:

While the damage to cars is often an “expensive inconvenience”, it warned that for cyclists and motorcyclists, it can prove fatal.

With Road Safety Week already underway, it is warning drivers and riders to beware of the road surface lurking underneath standing water.

It also wants to see the government “at the very least” maintain local roads maintenance funding as part of this week’s Budget.

The AA noted that a recent Coroner’s report revealed how two cyclists lost their lives due to potholes, and identified the local authorities “failings in monitoring and repairing the road”.

‘Shocking figures’

Edmund King, AA president, said: “Potholes hidden by rainfall are one of the worst things all road users must overcome when they head out.

“Well hidden potholes, deeper than expected, and with the ability to cause monumental damage mean our crumbling roads are deteriorating at a rapid rate.

“An additional 225 pothole related breakdowns a day in November alone is shocking and will only worsen as more rain is predicted and the weather turns cold – causing more damage along the way.

“On safety grounds alone, we need to see local road investment maintained, but the reality is our residential streets need a massive cash injection. Hopefully the Chancellor and Prime Minister can level up our roads on Thursday.”

Related: How to claim for pothole damage.