New breakdown data shows that RAC patrols went to the rescue of 10,076 drivers who had faced pothole-related breakdowns in the first three months of the year.
Damaged shock absorbers, broken suspension springs and distorted wheels – issues most likely caused by poor road surfaces – accounted for more call-outs than in any other three-month period since January to March 2021. In addition, the number of pothole-related breakdowns more than doubled from the 4,915 seen in the fourth quarter of 2022.
The RAC also saw a 14 per cent spike in wheel changes compared to the same period last year. While some of these jobs were likely due to punctures from objects such as nails and screws, the increase points towards further deterioration of the UK’s road surfaces caused by December’s extreme freezing conditions, the body said.
It estimates that drivers are now 1.6 times more likely to break down due to the repeated wear caused by potholes than they were 17 years...