Bristol tops the chart for potholes in 2024

Published On: January 16th, 2024

According to recent research conducted, Bristol has been identified as the city with the highest number of damaged roads in England. While it is unfortunate to share this information, it is important to shed light on the situation.

Out of all the pothole locations in the country, Bristol takes the top spot. The analysis was based on data provided by local authorities and carried out by Compare the Market. The findings revealed that an astounding four out of five roads in Bristol are in dire need of maintenance. Precisely 78.5% of these roads have been reported as damaged.

These numbers become even more significant when compared to other locations. Blackburn with Darwen came in second place at 76%, followed by Cheshire West and Chester at 72%, Derbyshire at 71%, and Knowsley with a relatively low percentage of only (only!) 64%. On the other hand, Redcar and Cleveland boast some of the best roads in England, with repair work needed on just 9.5% of their road network.

Motorists in Stockton-on-Tees (12%) and Leeds (12.5%) can also enjoy many pothole-free roads. Unfortunately, for those hoping for swift travel along smooth roads in Bristol anytime soon, luck may not be on their side. The research indicates that only a mere 0.4% of England’s road network will undergo strengthening, resurfacing, or surface treatment by April.

This burden of improving roads sometimes falls on local authorities’. In Redcar and Cleveland, there are currently plans to improve 5.4km of roads over the next month – far more than the Bristol City Council plans for Bristol.

“Potholes are the bane of every driver’s life. Not only are they a road safety hazard, they can also cause significant damage to your car if you hit one,” said Julie Daniels, a motor insurance expert at Compare the Market.

“You can make a claim for pothole damage from the council or authority responsible for maintaining the road where the pothole was or you can make a fault claim on your car insurance if you have fully comprehensive cover. Nevertheless, more investment is needed to fix Britain’s disintegrating roads and help keep drivers safe.”

How do potholes form?

Potholes form when water enters cracks in the road and expand when frozen. A surge in potholes back in November can be explained by the large amounts of downpour and extreme cold temperatures in December. The future for the Bristol road network doesn’t look promising; the honour of being the worst location for potholes in England will likely remain intact.

Report a pothole here