More drivers than ever are concerned about potholes, according to a new survey.

A majority of drivers (56% of those surveyed) said the condition and maintenance of roads was one of their top concerns.

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Never before has the research carried out by roadside assistance and insurance company the RAC indicated such concern about the state of roads. Last year the issue was identified by less than half (49%) of polled motorists.

Potholes were significantly above the second-highest concern – the cost of car insurance, which was identified by 35% of respondents.

The third biggest concern was the cost of fuel, mentioned by 32% of those surveyed.

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Worsening roads?

The vast majority (73%) reported the condition of roads they use regularly is worse than a year ago.

The figure rose to 81% for drivers in rural areas.

Only 6% of drivers overall said they thought local road surfaces had improved this year.

The costs

More than a quarter of drivers (27%) said their vehicle suffered damage from potholes in the last 12 months.

Those in rural areas were more likely to report such damage.

Wheel damage and broken suspension springs were among the problems caused by potholes, the survey found – issues the RAC said can be expensive to fix.

The average cost of repairing a family car cost “anything up to £460”, the company said.

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RAC data on the number of breakdown patrols dispatched showed there were 25,085 pothole-related breakdowns in the 12 months to the end of June.

Road quality issues such as poor drainage and a lack of adequate run-off in wet weather were also said to be issues faced by respondents, as were faded road markings and poor signage visibility.

A total of 2,691 motorists who drive at least once a month completed the survey. The responses were weighted to be nationally representative of all UK motorists.

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