Drivers back warnings of damage to the roads

Published on Sunday 4 July 2010 19:45

MOTORISTS are having to negotiate an average of 13 potholes on their standard daily route, a new survey reveals.

As many as 27 per cent of drivers come across 20 potholes on each journey.

And 62 per cent admit to spending more time watching out for ruts than keeping their eyes on the road ahead.

The poll of 3,000 drivers found 80 per cent were worried about having a pothole-caused crash and 45 per cent actually had an accident or a near miss because of a pothole.

Nearly all (98 per cent) said they would welcome either a clear temporary road sign warning or fluorescent markings around bad potholes.

The survey, by Autoglass, also showed that 39 per cent have experienced suspension problems caused by potholes, while 35 per cent have had a burst tyre, 20 per cent have had windscreens chipped by kicked-up stones and 17 per cent have had paintwork damaged.

An average 220 per motorist is being paid on pothole-related car repairs -adding up to a UK-wide total of around 3.7 billion a year.

As many as 45 per cent of those surveyed were concerned that more was not being done about potholes, with 31 per cent reckoning the problem was going to get worse.

Autoglass managing director Nigel Doggett said: "The aftermath of the worst winter in 25 years has resulted in the number of potholes on our roads increasing by 40 per cent since last year and if the transport budget is cut by 25 per cent, as reports warn, the problem could get even worse.

"At Autoglass we have seen a 25 per cent increase in calls this year from motorists needing their windscreens repaired, so we experienced first-hand the frustration that drivers are facing."

He added: "Our survey clearly shows that motorists have had enough of potholes and they are growing increasingly irritated with the state of the UK's roads.

"It's incredible and very alarming that so many drivers have had an accident or experienced vehicle damage as a result of the treacherous driving conditions."