October 7th 2024.
Recent data suggests that the number of breakdowns caused by potholes is on the rise. Many are calling on government officials to take action and address the growing crisis in Britain. According to the AA, there have already been 479,656 callouts for pothole-related incidents this year, which is almost 10,000 more than the same time period in 2023.
Last year, there were a total of 631,852 pothole-related breakdowns, marking the highest number in five years. And with the wetter months ahead, it is likely that this year's total will surpass even that. September alone saw a 2% increase in pothole-related incidents compared to last year, making it the highest number recorded for that month since 2017.
The impact of potholes is not just limited to causing inconvenience and frustration for drivers. It also has a significant economic impact, costing the country around £14.4 billion each year in damages, accidents, and wasted time. This was revealed by a study conducted by the Centre for Economics and Business Research.
Just last week, a garage in Shepperton, Surrey reported dealing with 58 cars damaged by a single, massive pothole on the M25. Among them was Tessa Pearson, 69, and her partner Graham, 73, who were stranded on the side of the road for six hours and had to shell out £525 for two new tires and realignments for all four wheels.
During the general election, the Labour Party promised to allocate billions of pounds for pothole repairs. According to their analysis, pothole damage costs each driver around £250 on average. This issue not only affects drivers but also other road users, including cyclists and pedestrians.
In fact, a report by Cycling Weekly found that between 2017 and 2021, six cyclists were killed and 112 were seriously injured due to defective road surfaces. Even pedestrians are not spared from the dangers of potholes. Just ask Darren Lucas, a 57-year-old grandfather who tripped over a shallow 10ft-long pothole outside his home in Abergavenny in 2022. He suffered a broken spine and had to relearn how to walk. To this day, he still experiences pain and nerve damage all over his body.
The Pothole Partnership, which includes organizations such as the AA, National Motorcyclists Council, British Cycling, and JCB, is urging the government to fulfill their promises and allocate more funding for pothole repairs. Edmund King, AA President, emphasized the need for a long-term solution rather than temporary fixes. He also highlighted the safety concerns for cyclists and motorcyclists, stating that potholes are not only costing drivers money but also tragically taking lives.
Caroline Julian, External Affairs Director for British Cycling, echoed the same sentiments, saying that potholes are a major obstacle for cyclists and must be addressed to promote the growth of cycling in the country. It's time for the government to take action and ensure that our roads are safe and well-maintained for all road users.
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