The cost of potholes to millions of drivers

The cost of damage caused by potholes on the region's roads is among the highest in the UK, it has been revealed.
DAMAGE: New research shows motorists paid out millions to repair car damage caused by potholes.DAMAGE: New research shows motorists paid out millions to repair car damage caused by potholes.
DAMAGE: New research shows motorists paid out millions to repair car damage caused by potholes.

New research shows that drivers across the country were forced to pay out £684m to fund repairs for pothole damage to their cars in the last year.

And in Yorkshire, more than 700,000 motorists hit potholes and paid out a total of £86m.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The region was among the worst in the country for pothole damage, behind London and the South East of England.

The latest study, by Kwik Fit, also reveals only two per cent of the country’s total bill was paid in compensation by councils for the damage.

Roger Griggs, communications director at Kwik Fit, said: “We all understand that council budgets are stretched right across the country, but this research shows the financial burden being placed upon individual motorists.

“And that’s purely the repair bill - it doesn’t take into account the inconvenience to people in having their cars off the road for repairs.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“One pothole can cause misery for countless motorists, so it’s vital that local authorities make it as easy as possible for people to report the presence of a pothole.”

Nationally, more than six million drivers suffered pothole damage to their car in 2015.

Unlucky motorists had to pay out an average of £108.60 for repairs to tyres, wheels, suspension, exhausts or bodywork.

Last year forecasters recorded the wettest ever November-January period.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The research shows that a third of drivers who hit a pothole last year said it happened because it was hidden by water.

Mr Griggs added: “But we would also encourage drivers to do their bit by reporting the ones they see and not relying on others to do it.

“Sometimes damage won’t appear obvious immediately, so we encourage anyone who has hit a pothole to keep checking their tyres and wheels in the days afterwards.”

New research put together by Kwik Fit revealed that hundreds of thousands of drivers in Yorkshire have paid out millions to repair their cars after pothole damage in the last year.

The research shows:

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

More than 700,000 motorists travelling on roads in Yorkshire hit a pothole.

They paid out a total of just over £86m to pay for repairs to tyres, wheels, suspension, exhausts and bodywork.

Nationally, drivers paid out £684m in the last year to pay for repairs from pothole damage.

But just two per cent, £13.5m, was paid to drivers in compensation by councils.

Related topics: