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Drivers hitting average of 11 potholes per month

The cost of pothole damage is rising despite a drop in mileage during lockdown, with drivers reporting worse conditions.

Kwik Fit’s new research finds drivers are hitting an average of 11 potholes per month

Research by Kwik Fit for its PIT Report (Pothole Impact Tracker) this year has found drivers have hit an average of 11 potholes per month, and some 10.2 million have suffered damage to their car as a result. As a result, the total cost to British drivers from pothole damage over the last 12 months rose slightly compared to the year before, reaching £1.267bn compared to £1.249bn for the year to March 2020.

That’s despite the average driver reducing their mileage by 42% over the last year as a result of the pandemic.

The average cost of repairs drivers have faced over the last twelve months has been £127.20, an increase of 11% on the previous year. While slightly fewer drivers have suffered damage than in the previous year, this increase in average cost has resulted in the slight rise in the national repair bill.

This rise could be down to the worsening condition of UK roads. Nearly half (48%) of all drivers say that the condition of the road surfaces in their local area are worse than 12 months ago, with only 12% saying they are better, and 35% saying they are about the same.

Roger Griggs, communications director at Kwik Fit, said: “We are all very aware of the massive shock there has been to the public finances as a result of the pandemic. However, the condition of our roads is a long-term issue as shown by our PIT report over recent years. Potholes are not just an issue because of the cost to drivers, they present a risk to people’s safety. We need to ensure that any funds made available are used strategically and effectively and not just for short term patching up of the worst affected areas.”

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Natalie Middleton

Natalie has worked as a fleet journalist for over 20 years, previously as assistant editor on the former Company Car magazine before joining Fleet World in 2006. Prior to this, she worked on a range of B2B titles, including Insurance Age and Insurance Day.