Expect even more potholes on UK roads after summer heatwaves, says RAC

The Guardian Business Wednesday 16 September 2026, 04:00 UTC By Amee Joshi and agency 1 min read

Key Points

Extreme weather has made brittle road surfaces more likely to crack, increasing strain on infrastructureThe UK’s dilapidated roads are expected to get even worse, with motorists warned to expect a jump in the number of potholes as result of the country’s hottest summer on record. Potholes are commonly assumed to be caused by cold or wet weather, but long periods of heat can also create long-lasting damage on the roads, according to the RAC.

Extreme weather has made brittle road surfaces more likely to crack, increasing strain on infrastructure

The UK’s dilapidated roads are expected to get even worse, with motorists warned to expect a jump in the number of potholes as result of the country’s hottest summer on record.

Potholes are commonly assumed to be caused by cold or wet weather, but long periods of heat can also create long-lasting damage on the roads, according to the RAC.

UK (LOCATION)

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Expect even more potholes on UK roads after summer heatwaves, says RAC

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