Dr. Benyi Cao from the University of Surrey has highlighted that climate change is significantly worsening road conditions, with extreme weather events leading to increased pothole formation.

The number of pothole reports reached a five-year high in 2023, with a staggering 950,213 reports, surpassing the 642,137 reports recorded in 2020.

This alarming data, obtained through a Freedom of Information request, underscores the growing challenges of road maintenance across the UK.

According to an analysis by World Weather Attribution, storm rainfall during the 2023/24 period was 20% heavier due to human-induced climate change.

In response to this escalating crisis, there are urgent calls for policy changes, including increased funding for road repairs and initiatives aimed at mitigating climate change effects.

In the northern regions of the UK, warmer winters have led to more frequent freeze-thaw cycles, further contributing to the deterioration of road surfaces.

Sofie Jenkinson, Co-Director of Round Our Way, has warned that the pothole crisis is reaching critical levels, posing risks to transportation and road safety.

From January to November 2024, local authorities in the UK received an average of 3,122 pothole reports per day, totaling 952,064 reports.

The Met Office has indicated that 2023 was the seventh wettest year since 1836, reflecting the increasing precipitation patterns associated with climate change.