The average car repair bill for pothole damage has reached record levels, according to new research carried out by Kwik Fit.

In a concerning trend, new statistics from Kwik Fit's annual Pothole Impact Tracker report reveal that the average cost for car repairs due to pothole damage has surged to £144, marking a significant increase from £120 in both 2022 and 2023. This data, based on a survey of 2,000 drivers, highlights that over a million motorists faced repair bills exceeding £300 last year. Predominantly impacted vehicle components include tyres, suspension, and wheels. Notably, 48% of vehicles needing repairs also required wheel alignment, while 34% had to recalibrate their Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), further escalating repair costs. Dan Joyce, operations director at Kwik Fit, emphasized the safety risks associated with pothole damage, stating that even if a vehicle appears drivable post-impact, the handling may be compromised. This report serves as an essential bellwether for the British infrastructure landscape, particularly as nearly a quarter of London's local roads are labeled as 'poor' as per findings from the Asphalt Industry Alliance. The backlog of carriageway repairs across England and Wales is at an alarming £17 billion, with potholes being filled at an unsustainable rate. Despite governmental pledges of additional funding—amounting to £1.6 billion in the past year—road conditions continue to deteriorate, and many motorists are paying the price with both financial and safety burdens. Notably, the National Audit Office has reported that local authorities can’t keep up with needed repairs, resulting in a vicious cycle of short-term funding interventions that have produced no long-term benefits. Analyses reveal that the issues with UK's roads aren't merely administrative; they extend to real-world consequences for drivers. This situation prompts urgent action from local councils and the government to invest in sustainable solutions rather than temporary patches. As a society, we must reconsider our infrastructure spending priorities. Properly investing in road maintenance could yield long-term savings and enhance safety—a necessity for a country that relies heavily on its vehicular transport systems. This article has been analyzed and reviewed by artificial intelligence, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted issues surrounding road maintenance and vehicular safety.