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Pothole Repair Backlog Hits Record £18.6 Billion in UK

3/18/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The backlog of pothole repairs in England and Wales has reached a record £18.6 billion, as reported by the Asphalt Industry Alliance.
Local councils filled nearly 1.9 million potholes last year, but repair costs have increased by £1.8 billion since 2025 due to adverse weather.
Only half of the road network is considered in good condition, prompting the government to allocate £7.3 billion for long-term maintenance.
A separate survey reveals that pothole damage costs UK drivers £1.8 billion annually, leading many to switch to larger vehicles.

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Story summary

The backlog of pothole repairs in England and Wales has reached a record £18.6 billion, as reported by the Asphalt Industry Alliance.
Local councils filled nearly 1.9 million potholes last year, but repair costs have increased by £1.8 billion since 2025 due to adverse weather.
Only half of the road network is considered in good condition, prompting the government to allocate £7.3 billion for long-term maintenance.
A separate survey reveals that pothole damage costs UK drivers £1.8 billion annually, leading many to switch to larger vehicles.