Overview

• The AA logged 50,091 pothole-related call-outs in July, a 2.1% year-on-year rise that reverses the declining trend seen earlier in 2025.
• Motoring groups attribute the increase to extreme summer heat weakening aged road surfaces and a surge in tourist traffic on under-maintained rural routes.
• RAC data shows pothole impacts commonly damage shock absorbers, suspension springs and wheels, with repair bills averaging £460 for non-puncture fixes.
• England and Wales face a £16.8bn local-road repair backlog, far outstripping this year’s £1.6bn maintenance budget despite a £500m uplift.
• Industry leaders and the AA are urging transparent use of ringfenced funds, prioritisation of vulnerable routes and investment in long-lasting repair innovations