UK Faces Surge in Potholes Due to Record Summer Heat, RAC Warns

Britain's roads are likely to see an increase in potholes following the country's hottest summer on record, the RAC (formerly the Royal Automobile Club) has warned. The intense heat and ultraviolet radiation from the prolonged periods of sunshine have aged road materials, making them brittle and prone to cracking as they cool.

According to RAC head of policy Simon Williams, while potholes are often associated with cold and wet winters, hot weather also takes a significant toll. "Intense UV exposure and heat gradually oxidise the bitumen that binds asphalt together, making surfaces more brittle and prone to cracking," Williams stated. "Once cracks develop, traffic and later rainfall can quickly turn them into serious defects."

The UK experienced a series of heatwaves, with temperatures reaching a peak of 38.1C (100.6F) in Kew Gardens, London. The extreme heat caused widespread disruption, including train services being affected, schools closing, and passengers being advised to avoid travel.

Road users have expressed significant concern about the condition of the UK's roads. A report indicated that 51% of motorists consider road conditions their biggest driving worry. Furthermore, 83% of drivers encounter potholes on most of their journeys, with over half reporting them on every trip.

Figures suggest that motorists collectively pay £3.3 billion annually for vehicle repairs caused by potholes. The average cost for a single repair is £341, with common issues including suspension damage, misaligned tracking, and tire blowouts.

A study by Censuswide for Close Brothers Motor Finance highlighted regional disparities. The West Midlands reported the highest percentage of pothole-related vehicle damage at 33%, with an average repair cost of £350. The North East followed at 26%, with repairs costing around £325. Greater London saw the highest repair bills at £512 for 24% of affected drivers.

Williams attributed the poor road quality to a long-term lack of investment in maintenance by local authorities, exacerbated by extreme weather. "Drivers' strong feelings about the poor quality of the UK's roads are a reflection both of a long-term lack of investment in road maintenance and repair by local authorities, and of the road surface issues exacerbated by a particularly wet winter, and now an extremely hot summer," he said.

In response, the government has increased council highway budgets in England to a record £1.6 billion for 2025-26. Additionally, £7.3 billion has been allocated for road improvement works between now and the end of the decade to enable local authorities to develop long-term maintenance plans.

Mike Hansford, chief executive of the Road Surface Treatments Association, emphasized the need for more resilient road surfaces. "Extremes in the UK's weather, including increased summer UV radiation, combined with colder, wetter winter conditions, can accelerate deterioration," Hansford noted. "So, it's more important than ever to ensure our roads are made more resilient for the future through application of early life, preventative treatments."

Industry advancements have led to modified binders used in road treatments that are more resistant to extreme summer and winter temperatures. The Department for Transport has also introduced new reporting requirements for English councils, compelling them to demonstrate effective pothole repair and future-proofing strategies. Local authorities risk losing up to a third of their road maintenance funding if they fail to meet these new standards, encouraging a shift towards full resurfacing over short-term fixes.