Damaged Vehicles, Safety Concerns, and AI-Powered Solutions

A Growing Threat to Vehicles and Safety

The state of Britain's roads is causing significant damage to vehicles, with motorists paying over £500 million annually for repairs. Potholes are the primary culprit, damaging suspension systems and even buckling wheels. This issue is expected to worsen with the transition to electric vehicles, as electric lorries are heavier than their petrol and diesel counterparts.

MPs have expressed concern over the deteriorating road network, calling it a "national embarrassment" and demanding action from the Department for Transport to address the £15 billion repair backlog. Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, Chair of the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee, highlighted the safety risks posed by pothole-ridden roads, stating that they "pose an increasing safety threat to road users."

Breakdown organization the AA reported a surge in pothole-related breakdowns, reaching a five-year high in 2023. The organization noted an increase in the severity of damage, with incidents involving damaged suspension arms, steering alignment issues, and buckled wheels becoming more frequent. The AA estimated that the cumulative cost to drivers for pothole-related repairs reached approximately £500 million last year.

The weight of electric buses and lorries has raised concerns about the ability of some roads and bridges to withstand the increased load. The Public Accounts Committee warned that this could lead to restrictions on the amount of goods lorries can carry. Additionally, the Committee expressed concerns about the accuracy of the Department for Transport's data on road conditions, noting discrepancies with independent analysis and user experiences.

In response to the growing problem, the Government announced plans to utilize artificial intelligence to predict and address potholes before they form, minimizing damage to vehicles. Additionally, the Government committed a record £1.6 billion to road repairs, aiming to fix up to 7 million potholes across England this year. Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood acknowledged the need for improvement, stating that "potholes are a clear sign of decline in our infrastructure" and emphasizing the government's commitment to addressing the issue.