Responding to new research from the AA that there were 613,638 pothole incidents in 2025, an LGA Spokesperson said:
“Councils take their responsibilities to maintain and upkeep roads seriously, but the truth is that ever-increasing pressure on budgets has impacted their ability to do so as much as they’d like.
“Local authorities work hard to fix potholes swiftly to prevent people’s journeys from being impeded. However, the road asset is huge and the number of vehicles using it – and causing wear and tear – is increasing, and many factors affect repair rates, such as changing weather and the type of road.
“Councils face a £17 billion backlog of road repairs. Only longer-term funding certainty will help councils more effectively plan for future maintenance schemes, focusing more on preventative measures – which will ultimately save the taxpayer money and reduce the need for repairs – and able to invest in innovation.”