Skoda UK research has revealed over a quarter (27%) of British motorists have had their car damaged by potholes. On the day the Asphalt Industry Alliance’s Annual Local Authority Road Maintenance report revealed the extent of pothole problems in England and Wales, the survey found the most common damage sustained is a tyre puncture.

A new report this week by Asphalt Industry Alliance revealed that the average cost for repairs stands at more than £200, with the backlog of road repairs in England and Wales totalling £14.02 billion. The 2023 Annual Local Authority Road Maintenance (ALARM) report found that 1.4 million potholes were filled in the last year, down from 1.7 million the previous period, almost one every 22 seconds.

Overall, £93.7 million was spent filling in potholes in 2022/23, but the report also found that one in every nine miles of the local road network in England and Wales is likely to require maintenance in the next 12 months.

Road safety and breakdown recovery specialist - GEM offers advice to help keep drivers safe and deal with the consequence of pothole damage.

Potholes - Tips to Stay safe on the road:

1. Always be aware of dangerous potholes on your regular journeys. If necessary, find an alternative route.
2. Remember to keep your distance from the car in front. Motorists will often brake or swerve suddenly if they have spotted a pothole too late, so ensure you are far enough away to slow down safely.
3. Make sure you stick to the speed limit and slow down on more minor roads and residential streets where potholes may be prevalent. Hitting a pothole at speed will cause much more damage to your vehicle.
4. Never swerve to avoid a pothole; always slow down or stop completely if necessary, checking that no cars are close behind you. Drive over the pothole slowly or manoeuvre around it if it’s safe to do so.

Potholes - Help get something done:

1. Help your local authority and report any dangerous potholes that are causing problems in the area. 
2. Your local council website will guide you to the correct procedure for reporting a pothole. 
3. Main roads are the responsibility of national agencies such as National Highways. Go to www.gov.uk/report-pothole or call them on 0300 123 5000. This number is available 24 hours a day. 

How to Build a case and claim against pothole damage:

1. If you believe you have a valid claim for pothole damage, ensure you can give the exact location of the offending pothole. 
2. Note when you went through it, what direction you were travelling and approximately how wide and deep you believe it to have been.
3. If it’s safe, stop and examine the pothole. Take photographs if you can, but don’t put yourself or anyone else at risk in the process. 
4. Obtain quotes for any repairs that may be required. Keep copies of these receipts and invoices if they form part of your claim. 
5. Then write to the local authority, including all the details and request a settlement of your claim.
6. Expect a rejection, as the local authority will most likely explain that it has a regular inspection and repair system. But you can check what the council may be liable for and can take steps to make sure they are carrying out the system they claim to have. 
7. If your case is strong enough, it may be worth getting legal advice or taking your case to a small claims court. However, be aware that it could be a lengthy and costly process.

Words: Mike Booth
Pictures: Skoda UK