August 14th, 2025.



Motorcyclists face an even bumpier ride this summer, according to The Pothole Partnership. July’s AA Pothole Index reveals a clear spike in incidents the AA was called out to caused by potholes, compared to the same period last year.

While earlier in the year callouts for pothole damage to members’ cars had reduced, offering hope that the UK was turning a corner, the latest figures signal an unwelcome reversal, with a 2% rise over July 2024 figures (50,091 incidents compared to 49,081).

Earlier optimism was underpinned by the impact of more extensive road repairs and increased government financial support. Yet the hotter weather this summer has contributed to a surge in pothole incidents, reversing positive trends and highlighting the persistent vulnerability of the UK’s road network.

Several factors are believed to be behind the worsening figures: The rise in incidents is believed to be linked to the hotter summer weather, which may be exacerbating road surface weaknesses and increasing the risk of tyre damage. The AA has identified several contributing factors:

1. Increased road trips on unfamiliar rural roads, which often receive lower priority for repairs.

2. Higher temperatures making worn or damaged tyres more susceptible to failure.

3. Heat stress worsening already weakened road surfaces.


The Pothole Partnership, an alliance comprising The National Motorcyclists Council, the AA, JCB, British Cycling, with supporting organisations, the British Motorcyclists Federation, IAM RoadSmart and TyreSafe, has voiced deep concern at these developments. The Partnership stresses that the combined impact of extreme weather and neglected infrastructure places all road users at heightened risk—from drivers and cyclists to motorcyclists and pedestrians.

Craig Carey-Clinch, National Motorcyclists Council Executive Director said: “Although the NMC has welcomed recent investment announcements, the July Pothole Index underlines that the urgency of the problem remains. Potholes, damaged surfaces and other related road conditions remain a serious hazard for motorcyclists and other two wheel users, with riders often citing this as a major road safety issue for them. Local authorities must act on recent investment announcements, including undertaking the requirement for road maintenance reporting which will unlock additional funding.”

Edmund King, AA president, said: “This summer’s heatwave has starkly exposed the fragility of Britain’s roads. While investment and repair campaigns have made a difference, the recent setback illustrates that much more must be done to create a safe and reliable road network for everyone. We urge the government and local authorities to redouble their efforts in tackling the pothole crisis, prioritising rural routes and frequently used cycling and motorcycling corridors.”

Anna Zee, BMF Director of Political and Tecnhical Services said: "It's disappointing to see a reversal of the downward trend in pothole related incidents. Obviously just mending the potholes is not quite enough; regular maintenance is essential and must not be skimped."

IAM RoadSmart Director of Policy and Standards Nicholas Lyes said: “Potholes are a menace but also a road safety hazard, particularly for those on two wheels. Extreme weather in both winter and summer can contribute to wearing down our road surfaces so maintenance needs to be year round.”

Stuart Lovatt, TyreSafe Chair, said: "Potholes don’t just damage our roads – they destroy tyres, and that puts every road user at risk. Hot weather accelerates wear and can turn a minor defect into a serious hazard almost overnight. A damaged or weakened tyre can fail without warning, and when that happens at speed – whether you’re in a car, on a bike, or riding a motorcycle – the consequences can be life-changing. That’s why we’re urging drivers and riders to check their air pressure, condition and tread regularly, especially after driving on pothole-damaged roads. Prevention is always better than a roadside breakdown – or worse."

Caroline Julian, Brand and Engagement Director at British Cycling said, “The state of the UK’s roads continues to be a huge barrier which prevents many people from getting on a bike and these latest figures are a big concern. The increasing number of incidents highlights the growing danger to people who are already choosing to ride bikes, as well as acting as a deterrent to people who might be interested in taking it cycling up for fun or fitness.

“We strongly advocate cycling as a critical part of the solution to the nation’s economic, social and health inequalities, but the increasingly poor condition of our roads continues to jeopardise this. We echo the call for more to be done to create a safe and reliable road network to protect all road users.”

Ben Rawding, General Manager at JCB, said: “The latest AA Pothole Index highlights how vulnerable our road network remains, especially under the strain of extreme weather. While funding plays a vital role, it’s innovation that enables us to do more with the resources already available. At JCB, we’re focused on permanent repair methods, such as the JCB Pothole Pro, that extend the life of the road surface. Moving away from short-term fixes is essential if we’re to make meaningful and lasting progress.”

www.uknmc.org