Start Rescue reports a 44.7% increase in pothole-related breakdown call-outs over the five months from October 2024. This rise is attributed to a £17 billion pothole repair backlog, leaving drivers with damaged tyres, wheels, and suspension, resulting in significant repair bills.
The Annual Local Authority Road Maintenance (ALARM) survey, conducted by the Asphalt Industry Alliance (AIA), confirms the £17 billion carriageway repair backlog in England and Wales.
David Giles, Chair of the AIA, states that despite over £20 billion spent on road maintenance in the past decade, short-term funding has failed to improve road conditions. 94% of local authority highway teams report no improvement in their local networks over the past year.
Start Rescue, a breakdown provider, highlights the financial impact on drivers and calls for action to improve road safety. The company holds a 4.6-star Trustpilot rating, a five-star Defaqto rating, and has been awarded Which? Recommended Provider status for six consecutive years. They also received the Finder Customer Satisfaction Awards 2024 for breakdown cover.
Source: Start Rescue