The UK is bracing for a surge in potholes following an unprecedented summer heatwave, which has left road surfaces more vulnerable than ever. While many associate potholes with cold and wet conditions, prolonged heat can also cause significant damage. The RAC highlights that intense UV exposure and high temperatures oxidise the bitumen in asphalt, making it brittle and prone to cracking. Once these cracks form, they can quickly worsen due to traffic and subsequent rainfall.
This summer’s extreme weather follows a winter that already left many roads in poor condition, with only half of England and Wales’ road network deemed satisfactory. The combination of heat and previous wet conditions has exacerbated the deterioration of infrastructure, leading to increased subsidence claims from insurers and potential disruptions in rail services due to soil shrinkage.
Motorists are feeling the impact, with 51% citing road conditions as their top driving concern. The government has responded by increasing funding for road maintenance, with councils receiving a record £1.6 billion for 2025-26. However, local authorities must demonstrate effective long-term solutions to avoid losing a significant portion of their maintenance budgets.
As climate change continues to influence weather patterns, the implications for UK infrastructure are profound. The rise in potholes is just one visible consequence of a broader trend that could affect daily commutes and transport reliability across the nation.
Source: The Guardian
