RAC sees pothole breakdowns hit 3-year springtime high
UK drivers suffered more pothole-related breakdowns during the second three months of 2018 than any other such period since 2015.
The worrying new RAC figures show that between April and June this year, a total of 4,091 call-outs due to damage caused by poor quality roads were dealt with.
Data from the RAC Pothole Index shows this was the highest total for the equivalent three-month period in three years, highlighting the worsening state of Britain’s roads.
The RAC says the numbers are evidence that local councils are “not winning the battle” against potholes.
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READ MORE: Long-term funding critical to thwarting pothole menace
RAC chief engineer David Bizley labels the figures proof that our roads are struggling after a harsh winter, and he calls on the Government to do more to help.
He said: “Our roads are still in a poor state of repair after the damage caused by ‘The Beast from the East’ and the generally harsh late winter conditions the country experienced.
“Councils have been working hard to fix potholes and general road surface degradation, but despite further emergency funding from central government, their budgets are even more stretched than in previous years.
“Our figures demonstrate they are not winning the battle and as a result the safety of too many drivers, cyclists and motorcyclists is being put at risk.”
SEE ALSO: The RAC guide to the Great British Pothole and other road surface defects
In response to the figures, Martin Tett, transport spokesman for the Local Government Association, said: "Councils are fixing a pothole every 21 seconds.
"However, only long-term, consistent and fairer government investment in local road maintenance can allow councils to embark on the widespread improvement of our roads that is desperately needed."
A Department for Transport spokeswoman said: "We have listened to the concerns of road users and are already providing councils in England with over £6 billion to help improve the condition of our local highways.
"This funding includes a record £296 million through the Pothole Action Fund - enough to fix around six million potholes."
If you spot a pothole, or want to make a claim for the damage that a pothole has caused to your car, make sure you read our complete guide on how to report a pothole.
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