The UK is facing a growing problem with pothole damage to vehicles, with drivers calling for operators of heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and delivery vans to contribute more to road repairs. Research by Kwik Fit found that 56% of drivers believe HGV operators should pay an additional levy specifically for road surface repairs. The annual cost of pothole damage to vehicles has reached £1.7 billion, while local authorities estimate that £16.8 billion is needed to address the backlog of road repairs.
The Pothole Problem
The issue of pothole damage has become increasingly pressing, with millions of drivers affected. Kwik Fit’s PIT Report (Pothole Impact Tracker) 2025 revealed the significant financial burden on drivers. Dan Joyce, operations director at Kwik Fit, stated, “The data shows that there is an increasingly pressing need to invest in the maintenance of our road network.” Drivers feel that they are already contributing enough and want heavier vehicles, believed to cause more damage, to bear some of the additional burden.
Funding Road Repairs
The research also found that many drivers support an additional ring-fenced levy on delivery vans. However, Dan Joyce noted that any costs passed on to businesses through such levies would likely be passed on to consumers. He emphasized the need for a long-term strategic plan for road maintenance rather than short-term fixes. “It’s critical that potential measures are not looked at in isolation,” Joyce said.
