Drivers in Birmingham and across the UK are facing hefty repair bills due to a surge in pothole-related damage. The RAC has issued a stark warning after a significant rise in pothole-related breakdowns was reported last month.
In March alone, 6,290 RAC members cited potholes as the cause of their vehicle issues, a sharp increase from 1,842 in February 2025. The trend mirrors January’s figures, which reported 5,106 pothole-related incidents at an average of 165 per day—more than double the previous year’s numbers. Damage from potholes commonly includes issues such as broken suspension springs, bent wheels, and damaged shock absorbers.
Simon Williams, RAC’s head of policy, highlighted the recent weather’s impact: “February saw an unprecedented amount of standing water and puddles on our roads, many hiding dangerous potholes. This caught many drivers off guard.” Williams suggests that poor drainage may exacerbate the problem, a result of councils potentially scaling back maintenance work in recent years.
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Williams explained, “Water is the enemy of the roads. It seeps into cracks and freezes in cold temperatures, expanding and causing potholes to worsen.” He stressed the importance of improving drainage to protect road surfaces and reduce costly vehicle repairs, which can average up to £590 for severe pothole damage.
Tom Hunt of the Local Government Association reassured that councils are aware of the problem and are working diligently to repair potholes quickly. However, he noted the challenges they face, including weather conditions, road safety considerations, traffic levels, and budget constraints. Hunt encouraged the public to continue reporting road damage to aid repair efforts.
Meanwhile, the Department for Transport confirmed £7.3 billion in funding over the next four years to help councils tackle potholes. A new council rating system has been introduced to monitor progress, emphasizing long-term road maintenance over temporary fixes.