Pothole problems could threaten bank holiday getaways

An estimated 18 million motorists are potentially taking to the roads this Bank Holiday weekend*, but drivers are being warned to prepare for more than just traffic jams as a new report reveals the worst areas for potholes across England and Wales.

In a previous survey, potholes were ranked as the nation’s number one driving irritation** and now the latest pothole report from Go.Compare car insurance has revealed that per mile of road, Cambridgeshire takes the top spot for the most potholes, with 22.3 reported per mile in 2024.***

The report shows that the top 10 councils with the most potholes per mile in 2024 were:

The report also revealed that the pothole problem is worsening, despite the best efforts of many councils. In Cambridgeshire, for example, the number of reported potholes increased from 47,755 in 2022 to 65,219 in 2024 - a 37% increase.

Tom Banks, Go.Compare car insurance expert commented: “Potholes can be a real nuisance for drivers, and these results show that drivers are justified in naming these their number one driving irritation. They don’t just make for an uncomfortable driving experience, for drivers and passengers alike, but they can be dangerous. 

“In the first three months of 2025 alone, the RAC recorded over 9,400 pothole-related breakdowns, and with millions taking to the roads this weekend, it’s a real concern for many drivers. 

“While you can do your best to prepare by checking for things like damaged tyres and low tyre pressure in advance, it’s also good to know what you should do if you do encounter a pothole and damage your car. 

“We’ve put together a guide with everything you need to know:

1. Check for damage: If you think your car is damaged after hitting a pothole, pull over when it’s safe to do so and inspect your car for any issues like punctures, wheel misalignment or suspension issues.
2. Get the facts: As best you can, note the location of the pothole - what3words might help you here, and write down the road name, town and any landmarks. If it’s safe to, try and take a photo of the pothole and the damage to your vehicle.
3. Report the pothole: Using all this information, you can report the pothole to your local council. 
4. Head to a garage: If you are worried about the damage, head to a reputable garage and ask them to assess and repair any damage but make sure you get a written report detailing the damage and repair costs. 
5. Put in a claim: You might be able to claim with the relevant authority if they’ve failed to properly maintain the road. But be aware that to qualify as a pothole it needs to be 40mm deep and the pothole must have caused the damage.”

To learn more about how to make a claim for pothole damage, read here. 

And to read the full pothole report, visit here.