Potholes are prolific in London. A report by the Asphalt Industry Alliance (AIA) said that London local authorities have filled in 847,127 potholes in the last decade — one every six minutes on average.
In March, Sir Kir Starmer said that English councils must prove that they are tackling potholes or risk losing funds, yet the RAC estimates that UK drivers encounter more than one million potholes annually.
Potholes are depressions or holes in the surface of a road caused by wear and tear, often due to weather conditions and traffic. Driving over them may not immediately damage a vehicle but can have a cumulative impact on wheels over time, with cyclists and motorcyclists especially vulnerable.
Car insurance company Zego has conducted research into which parts of the UK has the most severe potholes.
It found that one in five councils have over 10 per cent of their minor roads in ‘red’ condition’, meaning that they require urgent inspection.
Which London boroughs contained the highest percentage of roads in red condition?
Which London boroughs ranked highest?
Havering had the highest proportion of roads in red condition in London: 26 per cent. It had 21 per cent of roads in amber condition and 53 per cent were green.
Up next was Westminster, which had 18 per cent of roads in red condition, 70 per cent in amber and 12 per cent green.
Hammersmith and Fulham was in a close third place, with 17 per cent of roads in red condition, 33 per cent in amber and 50 per cent green.
In fourth place was Barnet, which had 14 per cent of roads in red condition, 37 per cent in amber and 48 per cent in green.
How are potholes formed?
Potholes are formed by the expansion and contraction of groundwater that has infiltrated the ground under the pavement.
When water freezes, it takes up more space under the pavement, causing it to weaken. When the ice melts, the pavement contracts, leaving gaps in the surface where more water can enter. This process continues over time.
As cars pass over these weak spots, the road weakens even more, creating a pothole.
What should drivers do?
According to car insurance company Zego, motorists should reduce speeds and leave lots of space between cars to notice and avoid the deepest potholes.
It’s also important to have properly inflated tyres, as these can absorb shock better. Drivers should also avoid sudden braking or sharp swerving as this can increase damage.
“Paying attention to road conditions and adjusting your driving can make a huge difference,” a Zego spokesperson says.
“Even small adjustments like slowing down on minor roads or approaching known pothole hotspots with caution can prevent damage and save money.”
If a pothole is unavoidable, drivers should act quickly. Zego advises drivers to photograph the damage and report it to their local council, as some authorities reimburse repair costs.
It may also be worth checking if your car insurance company covers pothole damage, as this could cover the cost of repair to tyres, wheels and suspension systems.
“Documenting the time, location, and extent of damage makes it much easier to claim repairs and avoid unexpected costs,” Zego advises.
