Back in September we reported about the government pothole survey to map, and hopefully fix,  the nation's potholes.

Well a few months on, there's not much sign of any improvements kicking in, as the RAC are still attending many accidents caused by road traffic hitting potholes.  Apparently drivers are more likely to breakdown due to badly maintained roads today, than in 2006 so, so much for progress.

The RAC report that their patrols attended more than 2,000 breakdowns probably caused by potholes, more than 300 more than the same period in the previous year. The RAC breakdown data was released for National Pothole Day. The data shows that the breakdowns were caused by pothole related damage like distorted wheels, snapped suspension springs and damaged shocks. Obviously potholes are particularly dangerous for motorcyclists as a bad pothole can cause the rider to come off the bike and possibly injure themselves. The danger is increased by the fact that the evenings are dark and visibility is more difficult at this time of year, so problems with the road surface are harder to spot.

One startling fact is that every 60 minutes, RAC patrols attend a pothole related issue – wowzer – that's high!

The RAC is concerned that the inevitable advent of the onset of colder weather this winter will exacerbate the pothole situation, causing an even greater problem for motorcycle riders and car drivers

Nicholas Lyes who is head of roads policy for the RAC said:
"A solution to the UK’s long-term pothole problem is possible. From this year, the money raised from vehicle excise duty in England will be ring-fenced to help fund motorways and major A-roads over successive five-year periods. But as yet, there is no similar model for local roads where the vast majority of drivers begin and end their journeys. We believe this could easily be changed by ring-fencing 2p a litre from existing fuel duty revenue to generate £4.7bn of additional funding over five years.

“Pothole-free roads shouldn’t be a ‘nice to have’ in 2020, drivers should surely be able to expect the vast majority of roads they drive on to be of a good standard, especially given they pay around £40bn in motoring-related tax every year."

To report a pothole or claim if your vehicle has been damaged by one, here is a link to the relevant information from the RAC.

Have you noticed the roads around you deteriorating or have you been involved in a tussle with a pothole, and if so who won? Let us know at [email protected] or on Facebook