13 August 2025
A sharp rise in pothole-related incidents attended by The AA in July has raised fresh concerns for UK holidaymakers hitting the Scotland’s roads this summer.
Despite a promising start to the year, with overall pothole-related incidents in Scotland down 6.99% from January to July compared to the same period in 2024, the AA Pothole Index recorded a 5.87% increase in incidents in July 2025 alone. This unexpected spike has prompted the AA to issue a summer driving advisory.
The AA is urging drivers to reduce their speed when approaching known affected roads and to give vulnerable road users, such as touring cyclists, plenty of room when passing.
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.
Scotland specific pothole-related incidents. Source: AA
|
Year |
Total Incidents (to date) |
Monthly Average (to date) |
Comparison with previous year (%) |
⬆️⬇️ |
|
2018 |
58,408 |
4,867 |
N/A |
- |
|
2019 |
53,788 |
4,482 |
-7.90 |
⬇️ |
|
2020 |
42,728 |
3,560 |
-20.56 |
⬇️ |
|
2021 |
45,681 |
3,806 |
+6.91 |
⬆️ |
|
2022 |
53,732 |
4,477 |
+17.62 |
⬆️ |
|
2023 |
61,786 |
5,148 |
+14.98 |
⬆️ |
|
2024 |
63,758 |
5,313 |
+3.19 |
⬆️ |
|
2025 |
35,675 |
5,096 |
N/A |
|
|
Incidents July 2024 |
Incidents July 2025 |
Differential (%) |
⬆️⬇️ |
|
5,075 |
5,373 |
+5.87 |
⬆️ |
|
Incidents Jan – July 2024 |
Incidents Jan – July 2025 |
Differential (%) |
⬆️⬇️ |
|
38,358 |
35,675 |
-6.99 |
⬇️ |
|
Highest monthly total in 2025 |
Month |
Highest monthly total for previous year |
⬆️⬇️ |
|
5,373 |
July |
6,060 (Jan) |
⬇️ |
|
Highest no. of incidents on AA record (annually) |
Occurred |
2024 total compared with next highest on record (%) |
⬆️⬇️ |
|
63,758 |
2024 |
61,786 (2023)(+3.19) |
⬆️ |
“We had hoped the worst was behind us thanks to improved road maintenance and government funding, but the July spike shows that potholes remain a serious hazard”
While the overall trend for 2025 remains cautiously optimistic, the July figures serve as a timely reminder for drivers to remain vigilant, especially during peak travel periods.
Tony Rich, AA head of road safety, said: “We had hoped the worst was behind us thanks to improved road maintenance and government funding, but the July spike shows that potholes remain a serious hazard – especially in hot weather when road surfaces and tyres are under more stress.
“With Scotland’s scenic roads proving as popular as ever with tourers, both in motorhomes and on two wheels, we urge all road users to remain vigilant to uneven road surfaces.”
The AA continues to monitor the situation closely and encourages all road users to report potholes and drive with care.
Data Source: AA Pothole Index – Scotland (July 2025)