Pothole problems

RAC patrols went to the rescue of 10,076 UK drivers who had fallen foul of potholes in the first three months of the year, a 39 per cent increase on the same period a year ago, new break ‐down data shows.

Damaged shock absorbers, broken suspension springs and distorted wheels ‐ issues most likely caused by poor road surfaces ‐ accounted for more call‐outs than in any other three‐month period since January to March 2021.

In addition, the number of pothole ‐related breakdowns more than dou ‐bled from the 4,915 seen in the fourth quarter of 2022.

The RAC also saw a 14 per cent spike in wheel changes compared to the same period last year.

RAC roads spokesman, Simon Williams, said: “The high number of call ‐ outs our patrols have attended in the first three months of the year ‐ and the enormous increase compared to a year ago ‐ is nothing short of scan ‐dalous.

“Drivers are telling us that the UK’s local roads are in a worse state than ever and it’s hard to disagree looking at some of the craters that litter so many of our carriageways.” lacquer to give a copper hue, while exclusive ‘Final Edition’ lettering on the rear and ‘1 of 1969’ badge on the C ‐ pillar side com ‐pletes the exterior.

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