As colder weather starts to bite, the number of potholes in the UK is increasing once again, bringing with it irritation for drivers, but opportunity for the independent aftermarket.
According to data from The AA, patrols attended 52,541 pothole-related breakdowns in October, a 12% year-on-year increase, and the worst October the company has ever recorded. The cumulative total for the first 10 months of the year stands at 510,932 callouts, averaging 1,591 attendances each day for breakdowns related to pothole issues.
A recent AA survey of 11,678 drivers showed that 96% of respondents supported calls for increased investment in road repairs, particularly potholes, highlighting the urgent need for the state of Britain’s roads to be addressed by the government and local councils.
Meanwhile, the RAC has reported that its breakdown patrols dealt with the highest number of pothole-based breakdowns in any third quarter period since it started tracking the data back in 2006.
The July to September 2023 findings have also led to an increase in the RAC Pothole Index, which tracks the probability of drivers suffering a pothole-related breakdown since 2006. The index has now increased to 1.7 which means motorists are nearly twice as likely to break down due to the repeated wear caused by potholes than they were 17 years ago.
RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: “Our analysis is sadly once again showing that the sub-standard state of the country’s local roads is causing a world of pain for drivers, let alone those on two wheels.
“Fortunately, the government has promised £8.3 billion for local highways authorities over a five-year period which should give them the certainty of funding they need to be able to plan longer term road maintenance work. We very much look forward to finding out exactly how the money will be allocated.”
Pothole annoyance and opportunity
Garage repair data analysed by the RAC shows that drivers can currently expect to pay an average of up to £440 if their car needs fixing after hitting a pothole, for anything more serious than a puncture.
Yet even a minor pothole strike can present an opportunity for garages, especially when it comes to wheel alignment, with minimal work offering larger profit margins.
“Poor road conditions are a major concern for motorists,” commented Andrew Bates, Managing Director at Straightset. “Potholes and other inadequate road surface conditions are not only a major safety hazard for all road users, but the associated vehicle repair bills as a consequence of damage caused by unmaintained roads is costing the public millions every year in repairs including the cost of shredded tyres, damaged bearings, and suspension components.
“Regular wheel alignment checks to correct alignment issues created by poor road surfaces are an essential to providing even tyre wear, straight line steering without continual, tiring correction by the driver, and optimisation of fuel economy. A garage, offering wheel alignment checks, can help motorists remain safely on the road cost effectively, whilst generating extra revenue for their business.”
Wheel alignment can be sold as an opportunity for drivers to check and understand their vehicle, and it should be highlighted that regular checks will offer benefits, especially avoiding heavy bills for replacement parts sooner than expected.
Alarming numbers
The RAC obtained data from 81 of England’s 185 county and district councils through a Freedom of Information (FOI) request, finding that in the financial year of 2021/22, there were a reported 556,658 potholes in the country, a figure that would have been much higher if all authorities had responded.
The company also reported that between 2022 and 2023, around 1.4 million potholes were filled in England and Wales, down from 1.7 million the year before.
With numerous storms and flooding hitting parts of the country in November and early December, it is likely that the number of potholes will increase, leading to more pothole-related breakdowns and damage.
Tony Rich, AA public relations manager, said: “Continuous poor weather and storms such as Babet, Cairan and Debi are having a two-fold effect on driving conditions. What feels like relentless rainwater is covering and increasing the severity of potholes while holding back essential road repairs by rightly diverting roads maintenance crews to tackle fallen trees and flooded areas.
It is clear, therefore, that the issue of potholes is one that is getting worse. While they are an annoyance, the aftermarket should be capitalising on the unfortunate opportunity they offer.
