We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue without changing your settings, we will assume that you are happy to receive all cookies on the Business Car website. However, if you would like to, you can change your cookies at any time
The start point for the best source of fleet information |
The number of breakdowns on UK roads caused by potholes has risen by 11%, according to the RAC.
The breakdown organisation said 2,830 of its members' breakdowns logged between October and December last year featured damaged shock absorbers, broken suspension springs or distorted wheels, likely due to poor road surfaces.
This was up from 2,547 in the same period during 2016, which the RAC said suggests the surface quality of some roads has been affected by higher rainfall and extra frost.
The RAC also said the number of such breakdowns recorded in each quarter in 2017 was higher than a year before.
It warned the condition of some roads is "hanging in the balance" and says investment is needed to make sure surfaces are up to the job.
RAC chief engineer David Bizley said: "After several years in which the surface quality of our roads appeared to be improving, the latest analysis of RAC breakdown data suggests that for the third successive quarter we have gone backwards.
"The higher rainfall in the last quarter compared to 2016 and the snowy and icy conditions that much of the country experienced into December are likely to be significant factors."
Bizley said the RAC welcomed extra funding to fix potholes announced by the chancellor in the last Autumn Budget, but warned that further inclement weather could cause more damage to roads.
He added: "Put simply, potholes are a menace for drivers and indeed for all road users.
"They represent a serious road safety risk and anyone who has driven into one will know it can be a frightening experience, not to say a potentially costly one - distorted wheels, broken springs and shock absorbers can be very expensive problems to put right."
Bizley added that the RAC wanted the government to give ring-fenced funding to local authorities to make sure all UK roads were fit for purpose.
BusinessCar magazine ©2019
Business Car Magazine © 2020 | Business Car is part of NS Media Group.
