- Motoring organisation RAC reported a significant surge in pothole-related incidents in February, with daily average reports from broken-down drivers being three-and-a-half times higher than the same month last year.
- This increase is primarily attributed to heavy rainfall across England between December and February, which concealed road damage under standing water.
- Common vehicle issues resulting from potholes include damaged shock absorbers, broken suspension springs, and distorted wheels, with repair costs potentially reaching £590.
- RAC's head of policy, Simon Williams, suggested poor drainage might also be a factor, emphasising that water is detrimental to roads and calling for improved drainage infrastructure.
- Both the Local Government Association and the Department for Transport acknowledged the problem, with councils working to fix damage and the DfT providing £7.3 billion for road maintenance.
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