UK drivers spend £4bn repairing car damage caused by potholes each year
Motorists encounter seven potholes per journey
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Drivers in the UK are spending £4.09bn a year on car repairs caused by potholes, according to new research.
More than half of motorists (56 per cent) said their cars have been damaged by potholes, with the average annual vehicle repair bill coming to £230.
Roadside assistance provider Green Flag also found that drivers encountered seven potholes per car journey on average.
Those in the North West and Glasgow recorded the highest number of ruts per trip.
Two fifths (40 per cent) of UK drivers were so frustrated by it that they claimed they would be willing to pay more car tax or road tolls for pothole-free roads.
More than a quarter (27 per cent) of motorists said they would be willing to add up to five miles to their journey in order to avoid a road with potholes.
The Department of Transport recently announced it would spend £201m on tackling maintenance and resurfacing 1,000 miles of road. However, this falls short of the estimated £9.79bn needed to restore the UK’s roads to good condition, according to Green Flag.
“The problem of potholes on UK roads means there is an increased risk of car damage,” said Green Flag’s Simon Henrick.
“With this in mind, it is important to stay safe when driving and to regularly check your vehicle and tyres for damage.”
According to the research, potholes topped the list of motorists’ bugbears, with 66 per cent of respondents claiming it was the most irritating feature of driving.
It was followed by fast drivers (36 per cent), slow drivers (29 per cent) and lack of signposting (19 per cent).
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments