The RAC fears motorists across the country will soon be “plagued by a plethora of potholes” – presenting a “true road safety danger”, especially for those on two wheels.
Data shows that between October and December 2022, the RAC attended 23% more breakdowns where potholes were likely to blame than during the previous three month period.
The RAC warns the threat of a large number of potholes appearing over the next few months is ‘very real indeed’ – given how much rain there has been either side of December’s sub-zero temperatures.
It says these are the perfect conditions for creating potholes, as water makes its way into cracks which then expand when it freezes, causing the road surface to crumble.
The RAC is particularly concerned for those on two wheels, for whom it says potholes “represent a huge risk to their personal safety”.
Nicholas Lyes, RAC head of roads policy, said: “The wet weather we’ve had both before and after the coldest start to winter in 12 years in December is the perfect recipe for potholes to start peppering the roads.
“We fear that by the spring, [motorists] will be plagued by a plethora of potholes across the country’s roads which makes journeys uncomfortable and frustrating or, worse still, could lead to very expensive garage repair bills – the last thing anyone wants in a cost-of-living crisis.
“It’s also important to remember that potholes are so much more than just an annoyance, they are a true road safety danger, especially for those on two wheels as they represent a huge risk to their personal safety.”
16 January 2023
