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Tackling pothole damage will not be a quick fix

By Paul Baxter, 25th March 2025

The Government is getting tough on potholes and the councils that are meant to fix them as well as throwing extra money at one of drivers’ biggest issues.

Councils in England are going to be ranked on their progress at fixing potholes and those which do not publish updates on how they are doing losing money which will be paid to the councils doing a better job.

There is an extra £500 million pot of cash available for fixing potholes with all councils in England getting 75% of the money from mid-April with the other 25% dependent on them publishing details on how they are filling in potholes.

Drivers need to see real and lasting improvements. Our research shows that more than a quarter of motorists have suffered damage from poorly maintained roads, with the average repair bill reaching £400—costs that many are forced to pay out of pocket. Ensuring local councils are accountable for fixing potholes is crucial, but the funding must be sufficient to make a real impact.

With 75% of drivers telling us that road conditions have worsened over the past two years, it’s clear that potholes are a financial burden and a safety risk. Burst tyres, damaged suspensions, and even engine failures are a direct result of failing roads. Local authorities need to prioritise long-term solutions rather than short-term patchwork fixes.

Reporting pothole repairs alone won’t solve the issue. Councils must take a proactive approach, using high-quality, durable materials and modern repair techniques to prevent recurring damage. Without this, drivers will continue to face unnecessary costs and disruptions.

Last year we carried out a Freedom of Information request to see how many councils had had to compensate drivers for damage caused by potholes. The FOI found 6,243 motorists received compensation for damage to their car caused by potholes or poor road conditions. The total compensation was £1.075 million.

Holding councils accountable is important, but they must also be given the resources to maintain roads effectively. Safe, well-maintained roads benefit everyone—reducing repair costs for drivers, improving road safety, and supporting the transition to greener, more sustainable transport.

About the author

Paul Baxter - CEO, The Green Insurer

Paul Baxter is the Chief Executive Officer of The Green Insurer. With over 25 years of experience in the insurance industry, Paul has held senior leadership positions at Marmalade Insurance, Chaucer Insurance Service, Tesco Insurance, and Direct Line, shaping the future of motor insurance in the UK.

With a strong track record in insurance, his expertise spans digital transformation, insurance innovation, and customer-centric solutions. Passionate about shaping a future that is not only safer for drivers but also better for the planet and all people. Paul is committed to giving customers a genuine option to buy green insurance easily.

Connect with Paul on LinkedIn.