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Story perspectives

Pothole Repair Backlog Hits £18.6 Billion Amid Rising Costs

3/17/2026

50 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The backlog of pothole repairs in England and Wales has reached £18.6 billion.
Councils filled 1.9 million holes last year.
AIA chairman David Giles said the situation worsened due to a wet winter.
The cost to complete repairs has risen by £1.8 billion since 2025, and the Department for Transport has announced a record £7.3 billion in long-term funding.

History

Historical Context

In 2025, the UK faced a pothole repair funding crisis, with councils estimating a need for £18.6 billion. The Department for Transport allocated £7.3 billion, highlighting ongoing infrastructure challenges. This crisis echoes the neglect seen in the 1970s, as severe weather exacerbates the backlog, raising public safety concerns and threatening transportation efficiency across England and Wales.

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Story summary

The backlog of pothole repairs in England and Wales has reached £18.6 billion.
Councils filled 1.9 million holes last year.
AIA chairman David Giles said the situation worsened due to a wet winter.
The cost to complete repairs has risen by £1.8 billion since 2025, and the Department for Transport has announced a record £7.3 billion in long-term funding.

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