The UK’s Pothole Crisis

road full of potholes
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By Lewis Kemp
Marketing Trainee

As the weekend approaches and we are all starting to make plans let’s take a minute to reflect on the current state of the UK’s roads. Currently, potholes are costing UK drivers £1.7 billion a year!

Alignment, bodywork damage, excessive tire wear and steering rack replacements. Potholes affect over 10.5 million drivers per year yet the government is choosing to focus on the development of motorways where the funding is 52 times higher than our local roads which are used much more frequently.

Since 2007 potholes have directly contributed to 22 cyclist deaths and 368 serious injuries this is due to the government allocating significantly smaller budgets for the maintenance of our highways, as a result of this the country’s roads are suffering and there has been a sharp decline in the number of potholes repaired each year. This distinct lack of funding is putting every road user at risk and causing more damage to our vehicles.

Ways you can prevent damage:

  • Ensure your tires are inflated to the recommended pressure.
  • Reduce your speed when approaching a pothole as this lessens the risk of damaging suspension and wheels.
  • How to claim damage caused via pothole
  • Check your car for damage.
  • Make notes and take pictures.
  • Report on the pothole.
  • Get the repair done
  • Making a claim
  • Make a claim to the responsible council with all your evidence as this will help support your claim.

One thing drivers making a claim should be aware of, however, is that under section 58 of the Highways Act 1980, councils have a defence against claims. In section 58 it details that if a council failed to maintain or repair a pothole they were aware of or hasn’t followed maintenance guidelines then a driver may be able to claim compensation.

Motorists can also make a claim against their car insurance, however, this may impact premium costs and no claims bonuses.

Connect can offer you insurance regardless of your situations. If you are interested in getting insurance with us, speak to one of our helpful staff who can advise you on any of our policies on 01782 280280 or complete one of our Online Quote Forms.

Has your car been damaged by potholes? Do you believe more money should be used to fix them? Have you got any pothole stories to share with us? Be sure to head over to social media and let us know @connect_insure on Twitter and @cibltd on Facebook.