Holidaymakers driving across the UK may be in for a bumpy ride this summer, according to The AA and The Pothole Partnership.
July’s AA Pothole Index reveals a clear spike in incidents the AA was called out to caused by potholes, compared to the same period last year. While earlier in the year callouts for pothole damage to members’ cars had reduced, offering hope that the UK was turning a corner, the latest figures signal an unwelcome reversal.
Earlier optimism was underpinned by the impact of more extensive road repairs and increased government financial support. Yet the hotter weather this summer has contributed to a surge in pothole incidents, reversing positive trends and highlighting the persistent vulnerability of the UK’s road network.
Several factors are believed to be behind the worsening figures:
The rise in incidents is believed to be linked to the hotter summer weather, which may be exacerbating road surface weaknesses and increasing the risk of tyre damage. The AA has identified several contributing factors:
- Increased road trips on unfamiliar rural roads, which often receive lower priority for repairs.
- Higher temperatures making worn or damaged tyres more susceptible to failure.
- Heat stress worsening already weakened road surfaces.
The Pothole Partnership, an alliance comprising The AA, JCB, British Cycling, and the National Motorcyclists Council, plus other supporting organisations, has voiced deep concern at these developments. The Partnership stresses that the combined impact of extreme weather and neglected infrastructure places all road users at heightened risk—from drivers and cyclists to motorcyclists and pedestrians.
Edmund King, AA president, said: “This summer’s heatwave has starkly exposed the fragility of Britain’s roads. While investment and repair campaigns have made a difference, the recent setback illustrates that much more must be done to create a safe and reliable road network for everyone. We urge the government and local authorities to redouble their efforts in tackling the pothole crisis, prioritising rural routes and frequently used cycling and motorcycling corridors.”
Caroline Julian, Brand and Engagement Director at British Cycling said, “The state of the UK’s roads continues to be a huge barrier which prevents many people from getting on a bike and these latest figures are a big concern. The increasing number of incidents highlights the growing danger to people who are already choosing to ride bikes, as well as acting as a deterrent to people who might be interested in taking it cycling up for fun or fitness.
“We strongly advocate cycling as a critical part of the solution to the nation’s economic, social and health inequalities, but the increasingly poor condition of our roads continues to jeopardise this. We echo the call for more to be done to create a safe and reliable road network to protect all road users.”
Craig Carey-Clinch, the National Motorcycle Council’s Executive Director said: “Although the NMC has welcomed recent investment announcements, the July Pothole Index underlines that the urgency of the problem remains. Potholes, damaged surfaces and other related road conditions remain a serious hazard for motorcyclists and other two wheel users, with riders often citing this as a major road safety issue for them. Local authorities must act on recent investment announcements, including undertaking the requirement for road maintenance reporting which will unlock additional funding.”
Ben Rawding, General Manager at JCB, said:
“The latest AA Pothole Index highlights how vulnerable our road network remains, especially under the strain of extreme weather. While funding plays a vital role, it’s innovation that enables us to do more with the resources already available. At JCB, we’re focused on permanent repair methods, such as the JCB Pothole Pro, that extend the life of the road surface. Moving away from short-term fixes is essential if we’re to make meaningful and lasting progress.”
Here is the Pothole Index for July 2025.
AA Pothole Index statistics- UNITED KINGDOM
