More than a quarter of drivers (27%) say they’re concerned by potholes damaging their vehicle in the next 12 months, according to research from Close Brothers Motor Finance. The research comes on National Pothole Day - an event created to raise awareness of the ever-growing pothole problem on UK roads.
When motorists were asked about their biggest concerns over the next 12 months, potholes ranked three in the list. Rising fuel prices ranked second with over a third (35%) feeling concerned, whilst car insurance hikes were in pole position for just under two fifths (37%). Other concerns include MOT / servicing costs (24%) and road tax hikes (19%).
Biggest concerns in the next 12 months:
- Car insurance hikes - 37%
- Rising fuel prices - 35%
- Potholes damaging the vehicle - 27%
- MOT / servicing costs - 24%
- Road tax hikes - 19%
- Cost of purchasing a new car - 16%
- Further crackdowns on petrol/diesel vehicles - 12%
- Not being able to afford the running costs - 14%
- Parking charges increasing - 12%
- High second-hand car prices - 9%
- Introduction of ULEZ/similar schemes - 8%
- Lack of infrastructure development, such as charging points - 7%
- Not picking the right choice of vehicle for my needs - 6%
- Losing the incentives that currently exist for AFV owners - 4%
- Having to lend/share my vehicle with someone else i.e. my partner or children - 4%
John Cassidy, Managing Director of Sales at Close Brothers Motor Finance, said: “With drivers having to combat rising insurance costs and fluctuating prices at the pumps, the last thing they should have to consider is the impact of the poor state of our roads. Potholes can cause significant damage to vehicles and cost drivers a fortune to fix - made worse during the winter months. Motorists will be hoping that the Government’s promised investment to fix potholes is adequate enough to fully support much needed improvements.”
