July was the sixth wettest on record which resulted in more than 50,000 AA callouts

According to figures released by the AA they received 50,079 callouts as wet weather in July caused pothole breakdowns.

Pothole related breakdowns have jumped to a five year high as in July 2022 the number of pothole related breakdowns was 41,790.

The AA said that pothole related breakdowns have caused broken suspension springs, distorted wheels and damage to shock absorbers which have heavy costs associated for drivers.

The Met Office said that July was the sixth wettest on record which made it much more difficult for drivers to spot.

Jack Cousens, head of roads policy at the AA, said: “July’s rainfall caused more headaches for drivers with tyres, suspensions and steering mechanisms all being damaged as the rain and puddles hid the potholes lurking underneath.

“Councils would’ve been hoping for a dry summer so they could get as much repair work carried out before the real autumn and winter weather hits.

“They will now be under more pressure to get their planned works completed before the weather really turns against them.

“With 2023 looking to be one of the worst years on record for pothole damage, we need to see more investment in local roads maintenance funding.

“As well as the financial damage to vehicles, at this time of year we also see more cyclists and motorbike riders on the roads, where the damage can sadly be fatal.”

Shaun Davies, who chairs the Local Government Association, said: “Decades of reductions in funding from central government to local road repair budgets has left councils facing the biggest ever annual pothole repair backlog.

“In order to support motorists, the Government should take this opportunity to work with councils to develop a long-term, fully-funded programme to catch up with the backlog.”

A Department for Transport spokesman said: “It’s for local authorities to maintain their highways.

“To help them do that we’re investing more than £5 billion from 2020 to 2025, with an extra £200 million announced at the Budget in March to resurface roads up and down the country.

“We’ve also brought in new rules to clamp down on utility companies leaving potholes behind after carrying out street works.”