UK roads at risk of even more potholes after summer heatwaves, RAC warns
Car changing is a big deal
Britain’s roads could be left with even more potholes after a summer of extreme heat, with drivers already reporting widespread road damage and vehicle repairs.
Drivers could face even more potholes on Britain’s roads after this summer’s intense heat and sunshine, the RAC has warned.
Extreme heat and ultraviolet (UV) radiation can cause the bitumen used in asphalt to break down more quickly. As the road surface becomes harder and more brittle, cracks can form before water gets underneath and traffic turns them into potholes.
The RAC says this could make an already serious problem even worse, with poor-quality local roads now the biggest motoring concern for half of UK drivers.
Research from the RAC Report on Motoring 2026 found that 51% of drivers consider the condition of local roads their biggest motoring worry, up from 47% in 2025.
At the same time, 66% of drivers believe the condition of the roads in their local area has deteriorated over the past year, compared with 59% last year.
Remember, you can buy a brand new or used car right here on Carwow. And you can sell your car, too. We’re here to help you through every step of your car-changing journey.
Four in five regularly encounter potholes
Potholes have become an everyday problem for many motorists.
The RAC found that 83% of drivers encounter potholes on most journeys, while 54% say they come across them on every trip.
Drivers are also frequently forced to take evasive action. Among motorists who regularly encounter potholes, 58% say they have to try and avoid them on every journey, with another 37% doing so on most trips.
The condition of the roads is also having a financial impact.
Around one in three drivers (34%) surveyed said they had experienced vehicle damage caused by poor road surfaces, up from 29% in 2025.
Repairs for damage more serious than a puncture can cost drivers up to £590, according to RAC data.
Why can hot weather cause potholes?
Potholes are often associated with cold and wet winter weather, but hot and sunny conditions can also speed up road deterioration.
UV radiation and heat can cause the bitumen that binds an asphalt road together to oxidise. This makes it harder and less flexible, increasing the risk of cracks developing.
Once cracks appear, rainwater can get into the road surface. As vehicles drive over the weakened area, the damage can spread and eventually form a pothole.
RAC head of policy Simon Williams said the combination of intense UV exposure and heat has made the country’s already fragile roads more vulnerable.
He said the prolonged hot weather was “the last thing our already fragile roads needed”.
RAC calls for more preventative road maintenance
The RAC says councils should make greater use of preventative maintenance to stop roads deteriorating before serious potholes develop.
One method is surface dressing, which involves applying fresh bitumen and stone chippings to the roads that are still in reasonable condition. The treatment helps seal the surface and prevent water from getting into the cracks.
“After the exceptional heat of this summer, it’s even more important that we maintain our roads properly,” Williams said.
Government funding for road maintenance has increased, with council highways budgets in England reaching £1.6bn for 2025-2026. A further £7.3bn was allocated in the 2025 Autumn Budget for road improvement work through to the end of the decade.
However, the Road Surface Treatments Association (RSTA) warned that extreme weather is making preventative maintenance increasingly important.
RSTA chief executive Mike Hansford said: “Extremes in the UK’s weather, including increased summer UV radiation, combined with colder, wetter winter conditions, can accelerate deterioration.”
He also highlighted a 6% fall in the use of surface dressing during the first quarter of this year compared with the same period last year.
“The industry has responded to these extremes in our weather, through further modification of the binders used in these treatments, which makes them more resistant to both summer and winter extreme temperatures,” he concluded.
Car change? Carwow!
Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.
Want to see the latest car content first? Add Carwow as a preferred source here. Click here to follow us on Reddit, where you can keep up-to-date with all the latest news, reviews, advice guides and videos.