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The dangers of potholes: Latest news 2025

Blog
The YPO Team
10 Apr 2025

The backlog for local road maintenance has reached a record £16.3 billion. At a record high of £16.3 billion, the one-time cost to clear the backlog of road repairs and restore fair condition to local roads in England and Wales has increased by 16%. Given that less than 50% of local roads are rated as being in good structural condition overall and that fixing them would cost £16.3 billion, it is clear that more consistent investment is urgently needed.

The Department for Transport (DfT) announced that local authorities will receive an additional £500 million Government funding for road maintenance starting mid-April. However, councils must submit annual reports on their progress in addressing potholes, or they risk losing 25% of the extra funding.

What is a pothole?

A pothole is a depression or hollow in the surface of a road, typically caused by the combined effects of vehicle traffic and groundwater. It is estimated that there are approximately six potholes per mile on council-controlled roads in England and Wales.

Why does the UK have so many?

The UK's chilly and rainy weather contributes significantly to the formation of potholes. Heavy traffic also accelerates road wear, increasing the likelihood of cracks and other damage. Most potholes appear during winter when water seeps into small fractures in the pavement, freezes, and causes the road surface to crack.

Road conditions in England and Wales

More than half of local roads have less than 15 years of life remaining. Currently, 47% of local roads in England and Wales are rated as having high structural integrity, while 53% (107,000 miles) have less than 15 years left. Over the past year, 94% of councils reported that their road networks had either declined, or at best, remained stable.
According to RAC breakdown data, pothole-related breakdowns increased by a fifth (17%) in the last three months of 2024 when compared to the previous quarter, indicating that Britain's roads are still in terrible shape.

How we can help

The 772 Road Marking, Surfacing and Traffic Management DPS and 1154 Civil Engineering Work and Services DPS can help customers with their requirements for pothole repairs. These agreements ensure that suppliers meet assured standards, and provide high-quality services. YPO can assist with your further competition documents and fully manage the further competition on your behalf if required, ensuring a streamlined procurement process. By utilising YPO's DPS agreements, we can work with local or incumbent providers, helping them to prequalify and be awarded onto the DPS, giving them the opportunity to bid for your requirements.

Currently, the 772 DPS can be used for either Category 1: Supply of road marking, surfacing, removal products and equipment, or Category 2: Supply and installation providers for road marking, surfacing, removal products and equipment. Meanwhile, the 1154 DPS can accommodate requirements under Category 1: Road & Highway Infrastructure.

Author

The YPO Team

YPO supplies products and services to a wide range of customers including schools, local authorities, charities, emergency services, public sector and other businesses such as nurseries and care homes. YPO are 100% publicly owned, by 13 local authorities, which means the profits made are returned to public sector customers, delivering even better value for money.