UK Cities with the Worst Potholes

The state of UK roads has become a growing concern for drivers across the nation. With a staggering £17 billion backlog in road maintenance revealed by the latest ALARM survey, potholes have evolved from minor annoyances into serious hazards that can cause extensive vehicle damage and costly repairs.

Recent data from tyre retailer Blackcircles has unveiled which UK cities are struggling most with this pervasive problem, and the results might surprise you. 

Newcastle upon Tyne has earned the dubious honour of being crowned the UK's pothole capital. The northeast city recorded an eye-watering 33,274 potholes across its 600 miles of roads in 2024. This represents an 88% increase since 2020, when 17,693 potholes were recorded. The rapid deterioration of Newcastle's road network highlights the mounting pressure on local authorities to maintain ageing infrastructure.

However, Newcastle also deserves recognition for its repair efforts. The city completed the highest number of pothole repairs in the UK, fixing 3,001 potholes per 62 miles of road. This proactive approach demonstrates the local authority's commitment to addressing the problem, even whilst battling against an ever-growing number of road surface defects. 

Aberdeen has claimed the unwelcome title of Scotland's pothole capital, with 20,987 potholes recorded in 2024. The Granite City has witnessed a 35% increase in potholes between 2020 and 2024, reflecting the harsh impact of Scotland's weather conditions on road surfaces. Aberdeen's position as the UK's second-worst city for potholes highlights the challenges faced by Scottish local authorities in maintaining road infrastructure.

The city's repair efforts rank third nationally, with 2,130 potholes repaired per 62 miles of road in 2024. Whilst this demonstrates significant investment in road maintenance, the growing number of potholes suggests that reactive repairs alone cannot keep pace with road deterioration. 

Cardiff rounds off the top three worst-affected cities, recording 17,536 potholes in 2024. Whilst the Welsh capital has seen a more modest 5% increase in potholes compared to Newcastle and Aberdeen, its third-place ranking reveals that pothole problems aren't confined to England and Scotland. The city achieved the second-highest repair rate nationally, fixing 1,588 potholes per 62 miles of road. 

Beyond the top three, several other cities face significant pothole challenges. The data reveals a widespread problem affecting urban areas across the UK:

• London boroughs battle deteriorating roads - Several London boroughs feature prominently in the pothole rankings, with Croydon recording 11,074 potholes and spending the most on repairs at £517,746 per 62 miles of road.
• Northern cities face mounting challenges - Sheffield recorded 14,240 potholes across its extensive 1,972-kilometre road network, whilst residents report that 17% of repairs take over six months to complete.
• Coastal communities aren't immune - Southampton and Blackpool both feature in the top ten, with 4,524 and 3,245 potholes respectively, demonstrating that coastal weather conditions contribute to road surface deterioration.

Nearly six in ten Belfast residents (57%) have experienced vehicle damage from potholes, despite the city not featuring in the top ten worst-affected areas. This suggests the problem is even more widespread than the headline figures indicate. Young drivers appear particularly affected, with 44% of 25-34-year-olds reporting multiple instances of pothole damage. 

Over a quarter (28%) of survey respondents believe potholes in their area are rarely or never fixed, highlighting public frustration with repair response times. Hertfordshire recorded the highest average payout for pothole-related claims at £367, whilst Ceredigion saw the highest rate of pothole-related accidents at 8.2 collisions per 100,000 people. 

Whilst individual drivers face ongoing risks from deteriorating road conditions, group travel offers a practical solution. SMC Coach Hire provides reliable coach and minibus hire services that can help groups avoid the stress and potential costs associated with pothole damage. 

Professional drivers are experienced in navigating UK roads and identifying potential hazards, ensuring passenger safety and comfort. Whether organising corporate events, school trips, or airport transfers, choosing coach hire reduces the number of vehicles exposed to pothole risks.

Modern coaches and minibuses are also better equipped to handle poor road conditions than standard cars, with suspension systems designed for passenger comfort even on damaged road surfaces. 

Contact us today to discuss how professional coach and minibus services can provide safe, comfortable transportation for your next group journey.