From damaged suspension systems and punctured tyres to wheel alignment issues, the average repair bill linked to pothole damage now stands at £341. Based on the UK's 42.3 million licensed vehicles, Close Brothers estimates this equates to an annual repair cost of around £3.3 billion for motorists nationwide.
The research also suggests that concerns over road conditions are becoming increasingly common among drivers. More than a quarter (27%) of those surveyed said potholes are now one of their biggest worries when it comes to owning and using a car.
John Cassidy, managing director at Close Brothers Motor Finance, said: “The state of Britain’s roads has escalated from a minor driving inconvenience into a multi-billion crisis that is hitting motorists directly in the pocket. Facing an unexpected repair bill of £341 is a bitter pill to swallow. The fear of a surprise financial hit is manifesting as real anxiety for many Brits, with over a quarter listing potholes among their biggest concerns when driving.
At a time when drivers are already navigating high insurance premiums, running costs, and a broader cost-of-living crisis, we hope the government will continue to support motorists and properly equip local councils to fix this worsening issue.”