Why Won’t The Government Prioritise Pothole Repair More?

Pothole repairs: why we need more!

As our recent blog “Don’t Let Potholes Get The Better Of You – Report Them” demonstrated, pothole repair on the roads depends government funding, both local and national. But the question we ask is are potholes costing business more than we all think? Potholes might seem like just a nuisance on the road, but their economic repercussions extend far beyond mere inconvenience. As specialists in pothole repair, we at OUTCO understand the profound impact that neglected road infrastructure has on business across the UK.

Potholes mean increased fleet maintenance cost

Every jolt caused by potholes takes a toll on company cars, personal cars and supplier cars. From misaligned wheels to damaged suspensions, the wear and tear inflicted by potholes escalate nationwide maintenance expenses to a level they don’t need to be at. Regular pothole repair not only preserves the lifespan of cars and the business fleet but also prevents even more costly repairs down the line. The numbers show the true extent of the damage:

£863: The average repair bill for pothole damage in the UK, according to Insurance Business UK

£474 million: The staggering total cost of pothole damage to vehicles in the UK in 2023, according to the AA.

632,000 call outs: The number of times the AA was called out to vehicles damaged by road defects in 2023, a 16% increase from the previous year.

Potholes mean higher accident rates

Potholes are not just a hazard to cars and cyclists; they pose a significant accident risk to drivers as well. A sudden encounter with a deep pothole can lead to accidents, causing injury to  personnel, damaging your human capital. By prioritising pothole repair, we could have a safer working environment nationally and minimise the likelihood of costly accidents and NHS bills. The pothole statistics tell the story:

451 people: The number of people severely injured or killed in pothole-related incidents across England, Scotland, and Wales between 2018 and 2022.

Reports suggesting one serious pothole injury every week for cyclists

There are over 2,300 elderly people injured by trip, slip or falls from damaged footpaths every day

A claim is filed every 17 minutes for a pothole related injury

Pothole related claims can see compensation from £4,080 for minor injuries to £379,100 for major injuries

Beyond the human cost, any accidents involving employee injuries can also lead to significant financial repercussions for businesses, including lost productivity (Employee absences due to injury disrupting workflows and deadlines), increased insurance premiums (A history of accidents could lead to higher insurance costs for company vehicles) and potential legal fees (In case of severe accidents, legal battles can be expensive).

Potholes mean transportation delays

Time is money in the world of business, and potholes are notorious for causing delays in transport schedules. Statistics show the significant impact:

2 mph: The average speed reduction caused by potholes, according to the Asphalt Industry Alliance. This seemingly small decrease can significantly impact delivery times, especially over longer distances.

£40 billion: The estimated annual cost of traffic congestion in the UK. While potholes aren’t the sole cause, they certainly contribute to the problem, impacting businesses that rely on efficient transportation.

25%: The increase in journey times reported by some businesses due to poor road conditions, according to the Federation of Small Businesses.

Every minute lost to navigating pothole-ridden roads translates to lost productivity and missed opportunities. Consider these additional costs:

£8.9 billion: The estimated annual cost of lost time due to traffic delays in the UK according to the centre for Economics and Business Research. While potholes aren’t the only culprit, they contribute to this substantial cost.
£1,000 per van per year: The estimated additional fuel costs businesses incur due to congested traffic caused by poor road conditions, according to the RAC Foundation.

Reduced productivity

The ripple effects of potholes extend beyond the roads themselves. The time and resources spent dealing with car repairs, accident investigations, and delayed shipments directly impact business productivity. By addressing potholes promptly, the nation could eliminate these productivity drains and empower our workforce to focus on core tasks. A recent study by the Federation of Small Businesses highlights the staggering economic toll that potholes impose on UK businesses. Millions of pounds are lost each year to vehicle repairs and lost time—a burden that no business can afford to bear.

Advocating for more pothole repair

Businesses must recognise the economic imperative of government investment in pothole repair and advocate for improved public infrastructure maintenance.

For private infrastructure maintenance, by partnering with reputable pothole repair contractors such as OUTCO, property managers can take proactive steps to mitigate the financial impact of potholes on for example loading bays and car parks on your operations. The economic costs of potholes extend far beyond surface-level damage. They’ll eat into your profits, compromise safety,  and create larger bills down the line. By prioritising their pothole repair, businesses can safeguard their bottom line, enhance operational efficiency, and ensure seamless transportation of goods and services. Don’t let potholes on your property drain your resources and derail your business. Invest in pothole repair and pave the way for a smoother, more prosperous tomorrow. Get in touch with OUTCO to learn more about our comprehensive pothole repair solutions tailored to your business needs.

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