Britain’s pothole hotspots revealed as months of rain leads to worst ever conditions

For Bike Week, motorists, cyclists and pedestrians have been urged to use extra caution as experts warn that months of rain have led to some of the worst ever road conditions.

Analysis of claims data from leading public sector insurer Zurich Municipal found a 66% rise in pothole damage claims last year and an 8% spike in personal injury related accidents on cycle paths, footways and roads¹. Further research carried out by the insurer reveals that half of UK adults (50%) that cycle believe roads are in poor condition and are dangerous for cyclists².

Potholes form when water leaks into cracks in the road and freezes in cold temperatures. When the weather starts to get warmer, the frozen water evaporates, leaving gaps and defects in the road.

Zurich’s warning follows some of the wettest months on record, sparking fears that roads will be in an even worse condition this year as cyclists, runners and pedestrians look to take advantage of the summer months.

Injuries on the road

Zurich Municipal data shows that more than 6,500 injuries have been sustained on roads and pavements over the last three years, with incidents ranging from cyclists being thrown from their bikes after hitting potholes, to pedestrians tripping over tree roots on pavements. On average, these types of claims cost local authorities almost £17,000 each.

Last year, the government announced a £200m fund to help improve walking, wheeling and cycling routes in England in a bid to encourage people to choose active travel³. This has helped some councils, such as Surrey, create more cycling and walking routes, as well as to develop liveable neighbourhoods⁴.

Highway code confusion

In fact, active travel has become so popular in recent years that The Highway Code was updated to help further protect pedestrians and cyclists⁵. For example, cyclists are now encouraged to ride in the centre of their lane on quiet roads and keep at least 0.5 metres away from the kerb edge when riding on busy roads.

However, many UK adults are unaware of these changes. For instance, only a third (31%) of people know cyclists can ride in the centre of their lane on quiet roads and only a similar number of people are aware cyclists can keep at least 0.5 metres away from the kerb edge (30%).

Walking, running or cycling helps people to stay active, reduce their impact on the environment and mitigate rising living costs, poor road and pathway surfaces can cause serious injuries. While car owners may face an expensive trip to the garage after hitting a pothole in the road, those on two wheels can end up with a serious injury or worse.

Alix Bedford, risk expert, at Zurich UK, commented: “More and more people will be keen to get out and enjoy the sunshine now that the weather has started to pick up. However, the last few months of rain will have taken its toll on roads, pathways and cycleways, so people should look out for defects such as potholes and edge failure. A simple trip can cause a pathway user serious injury.”

Where are people most likely to suffer a personal injury?

Zurich data suggests that the West Midlands is a particular hotspot for personal injury related claims with a 50% increase in injuries on roads and pavements in 2023. Likewise, the East of England and Scotland all saw an increase in people getting injured on the local highways network – 18% and 16% respectively.

Bedford continued: “Whether you’re walking, cycling or perhaps driving over the coming weeks then be extra vigilant of defects in the road, and report any you do come across to local councils so they can log and repair them.”

¹Based on Zurich Municipal claims data for 2022 and 2023
²OnePoll surveyed 1,000 UK adults online between 16th and 28th May 2024
³https://www.gov.uk/government/news/200-million-to-improve-walking-and-cycling-routes-and-boost-local-economies 
⁴https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cqezpe0ye8eo
⁵https://www.gov.uk/government/news/the-highway-code-8-changes-you-need-to-know-from-29-january-2022#full-publication-update-history