Drivers are far more concerned about potholes than they were 12 months ago. This formed part of the key findings from IAM RoadSmart’s 2024 Road Safety Report, showing the biggest increase in concern among a panel of 2,008 UK motorists. However, there may be some light at the end of the tunnel for beleaguered drivers and businesses. In recent good news, 2024 has seen a rise in the amount of preventative road maintenance after a 12-year low in 2023.
The Road Emulsion Association (REA) has reported an increase in the manufacturing, sale, and use of bitumen emulsions for surface dressing since last year, marking positive progress after the lowest reported volumes on record in 2023.
According to REA’s latest data covering all bitumen emulsion manufacturers, approximately 38.5 million square metres of surface dressing was applied over the surface treatments season in 2024.
While 2024’s figures show progress, they remain lower than the 64.4 million square metres laid down in 2012 following two successive colder than average winters. Such decline, in the view of the REA, “contributed considerably to the increase in potholes across the local highway network”.
IAM RoadSmart Director of Policy and Standards Nicholas Lyes said: “Our research shows that potholes are a growing concern for drivers and riders. For too long, motorists and businesses have put up with pothole-riddled roads and patchy and often substandard repairs which not only hits them in the pocket but is also a safety hazard. Although early days, increased repair activity might show that the UK’s rough roads could be on the path to recovery.”
Kevin Maw, REA consultant and secretary, said: “This is positive news for the highways industry and road users.
“While we have a long way to go to get back to the volumes of bitumen emulsions produced in the years up to 2012 to enable over 60 million square metres per annum of surface dressing, this shows that the trend has started to turn, which is encouraging.
“We hope this continues. It could be a sign of market recovery and a change in the focus among local highway authorities who are investing more in preventative maintenance, which is what we have been calling for as part of our campaign, Futureproofing our local roads.”
Although work is heading in the right direction to improve the UK road networks, it’s highly likely your drivers will encounter potholes this winter. Watch the below video with your colleagues for a few of our top tips on the best ways to spot and avoid pothole damage, helping to keep the roads safer and minimise costly repairs.
Observing, anticipating, and planning are techniques to successfully deal with road hazards such as potholes, and are covered on our flagship on-road training course, Driving for Work.
Designed for business drivers and tailored to fit individual sticking points, Driving for Work training sessions are fun, friendly, and delivered one-on-one by a qualified Approved Driving Instructor (ADI). Contact us to find out more.
