2023 could set a new record for pothole-related breakdowns attended by AA patrols after August incidents reached a five-year high.

AA data shows pothole-related breakdowns were 13% up on August last year

AA data reveals its patrols attended 48,994 pothole-related incidents last month – up 13% on August last year and likely the result of the summer washout.

While the bad weather this summer saw large numbers of motorists cancel day trips, weekend breaks and even holidays, the rain and surface water also hid potholes and other defects on rural roads. This made it more likely that visitors on unfamiliar country lanes and minor roads would have suffered a pothole breakdown.

The AA’s ‘Pothole Index’ of data shows that August was the third worst on record for pothole incidents while it was also the third worst summer for pothole incidents.

Year to date, the AA has had to deal with more than 411,000 such incidents – putting it already 61% of the way towards the podium-topping 665,702 annual toll set in 2018.

With roads authorities having lost numerous repair days this summer due to the wetter conditions, it’s warning that councils are now in a race against time to fix as many local roads as possible before the autumn weather reaches Britain.

Jack Cousens, head of roads policy for the AA, said: “Councils now have a very small window of time to get as much of their repair work carried out as possible before the real autumn and winter weather hits, meaning their road teams will need to work flat out to restore the roads before the weather really turns against them.

“2023 looks set to reach the podium of ‘Worst Year for Potholes’, but which colour medal remains to be seen. With this year’s running total of pothole-related breakdowns already at 411,168 compared to previous annual totals of 594,876 (2019) and 637,932 (2017), the current toll looks comfortable for a bronze at least. An awful autumn could see it make a dash for gold.

“That’s why, with the Autumn Statement due in November, drivers and local councils alike will be hoping for some more pothole funding.”