Soaring Temperatures Drive Spike in Pothole-Related Vehicle Breakdowns, AA Warns

Published: 14 August 2025. The English Chronicle Desk

A rise in pothole-related vehicle breakdowns across the UK has been linked to the recent spell of hot weather, according to the AA. The motoring organization reported receiving 50,091 call-outs in July due to poor road surfaces, marking a 2.1 per cent increase compared with the same month last year and reversing a previously declining trend in 2025.

The AA highlighted that high temperatures have exacerbated already vulnerable roads, making worn or damaged tyres more prone to failure. Additionally, the summer surge in tourists traveling along rural roads, which often receive less maintenance, has contributed to the increase in incidents. Common issues stemming from pothole damage include broken suspension springs, warped wheels, and compromised shock absorbers, with RAC figures estimating repairs beyond punctures can average £460.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has previously noted that poorly maintained roads “can risk lives and cost families hundreds if not thousands of pounds in repairs,” urging councils to take immediate action to address the problem.

AA president Edmund King stated: “This summer’s heatwave has starkly revealed the fragility of Britain’s road network. While past investment and repair campaigns have helped, recent data shows that much more must be done to ensure roads are safe and reliable. We urge both government and local authorities to intensify efforts, particularly on rural routes and popular cycling and motorcycling corridors.”

The AA is participating in the Pothole Partnership campaign, alongside industry members such as construction equipment manufacturer JCB. Ben Rawding, JCB’s general manager, noted that the breakdown figures underscore the vulnerability of the nation’s roads under extreme weather conditions. He emphasized that innovation, alongside funding, is crucial for lasting solutions and moving away from short-term fixes.

The total cost of bringing local roads in England and Wales up to standard has been estimated at a record £16.8 billion. Government funding for local road maintenance in England this year stands at nearly £1.6 billion, an increase of £500 million compared with the previous year, sufficient to repair roughly seven million potholes.

A spokesperson for the Local Government Association said councils take their road maintenance duties seriously and are exploring innovative approaches to address the challenges posed by changing weather patterns. They stressed that sustained, long-term funding will allow local authorities to invest in preventative measures to protect the road network.

A Department for Transport spokesperson reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving road conditions, citing the £24 billion investment earmarked for motorways and local roads across England, aimed at delivering safer, faster, and more reliable journeys for all road users.