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

Domestic Abuse (Perpetrator) Prevention Worker

Essex County Council
£30931 - £35362 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Defined Benefit Pension
Domestic Abuse (Perpetrator) Prevention Worker - Multi Disciplinary TeamFixed Term, Full Time£30,931 to £35,362 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Data Analyst - 6 month FTC

Essex County Council
£25081 - £29508 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Defined Benefit Pension
Data AnalystFixed Term, Full TimeUp to £29,508 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Transport Strategy Manager

North Northamptonshire Council
£55848 - £59442
We are looking for an experienced and talented professional to join North Northamptonshire Council Sheerness House, 41 Meadow Road, Kettering, United Kingdom
Recuriter: North Northamptonshire Council

Specialist Children and Family Worker - 12 month FTC

Essex County Council
£30931 - £35362 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Defined Benefit Pension
Specialist Children and Family WorkerFixed Term, Full Time£30,931 to £35,362 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Director of Children’s Services

Bedford Borough Council
Up to £136,757 per annum (pay award pending)
Bedford Borough Council is looking for a dynamic and visionary Director of Children's Services Bedford, Bedfordshire
Recuriter: Bedford Borough Council
Linkedin Banner

Partner Content

Circular highways is a necessity not an aspiration – and it’s within our grasp

Shell is helping power the journey towards a circular paving industry with Shell Bitumen LT R, a new product for roads that uses plastics destined for landfill as part of the additives to make the bitumen.

Support from Effective Energy Group for Local Authorities to Deliver £430m Sustainable Warmth Funded Energy Efficiency Projects

Effective Energy Group is now offering its support to the 40 Local Authorities who have received a share of the £430m to deliver their projects on the ground by surveying properties and installing measures.

Pay.UK – the next step in Bacs’ evolution

Dougie Belmore explains how one of the main interfaces between you and Bacs is about to change.