The RAC has warned motorists that the UK is likely to see an increase in potholes following the country’s hottest summer on record. The motoring organisation said prolonged high temperatures can weaken road surfaces, making them more likely to crack and deteriorate.
Heat, not just cold
Potholes are often associated with cold snaps and freezing weather, when water in road materials expands and contracts. But the RAC highlighted that extended periods of heat also damage tarmac: moisture loss and thermal stress can make surfaces brittle, leading to cracking that can develop into potholes over time.
Implications for an already worn network
The warning comes as many parts of the UK continue to contend with dilapidated roads. Additional cracking and surface failure driven by this summer’s temperatures could add to maintenance backlogs and place extra strain on local highway authorities tasked with repairs.
Drivers and policymakers
While the RAC’s notice was aimed at raising awareness among road users, it also underlines the wider challenge of maintaining ageing transport infrastructure in the face of extreme weather. The organisation’s comments are likely to feed into debates about funding, prioritisation and resilience of the road network as authorities plan for future maintenance cycles.
Longer-term considerations
Experts and road operators have increasingly pointed to the need for adaptation measures as weather patterns grow more volatile. Whether through changes in repair materials, more frequent inspections, or revised maintenance strategies, the prospect of further surface damage is prompting renewed scrutiny of how the network will cope with climate-related stresses.