The worst potholes in UK counties revealed: pothole map shows where drivers are most at risk

The UK's pothole capital is Lincolnshire, where drivers are facing a pothole nightmare on their local roads. Local authorities in the region have a real problem on their hands with nearly 30,000 road defects reported in the first half of 2025 – that's a lot of pothole repairs needed. Other badly affected areas include Kent (25,668), Devon (25,408), and Surrey (20,048) – putting thousands of motorists at risk of serious pothole damage.

Data shows that Devon County Council has recorded the highest total number of potholes since 2022, with 160,374 logged over the past three years. This is followed by Surrey (138,159), West Sussex (128,196), and Oxfordshire (102,889), highlighting the scale of the issue across the UK.

UK potholes index 2025

Potholes are more than just a nuisance – they're a costly and dangerous reality for millions of UK drivers. It's estimated that, on average, there are six potholes per mile on council-controlled roads in England and Wales. In the first three months of 2025 alone, the RAC attended over 9,400 pothole-related breakdowns, with the average repair bill coming in at £460. Despite these figures, many drivers feel their local roads are being neglected, with one in four people (28%) saying potholes in their area are rarely or never fixed.

To understand the scale of the issue more clearly, the team at First Response Finance submitted Freedom of Information (FOI) requests to 41 County Councils across England and Wales, receiving 30 responses by August 2025. We've analysed the data to uncover which areas are most affected, which councils are investing the most in repairs, and where road conditions are improving... or deteriorating.

Our UK pothole index 2025 offers a detailed look at the state of Britain's roads. Read on to discover the worst-hit regions, the biggest spenders, and what it all means for drivers.

Many councils have consistently struggled with pothole management. In the last three years, Devon County Council has recorded the highest total, with over 160,000 potholes since 2022. 

Highest total number of potholes (2022 - 2025 to date): 

1. Devon County Council - 160,374 

2. Surrey County Council - 138,159 

3. West Sussex County Council - 128,196 

4. Oxfordshire County Council - 102,889 

5. Kent County Council - 85,627

Who's investing the most in their roads? 

While some councils are struggling, others are stepping up their investment. Essex County Council has the largest road repair budget in the UK for 2025/2026 at £72 million. 

Biggest budget (2025/2026) to fix road infrastructure: 

1. Essex County Council - £72 million 

2. Lincolnshire County Council - £65 million 

3. North Yorkshire County Council - £53.4 million 

4. Devon County Council - £8.8 million 

5. Surrey County Council - £6 million 

Impressively, they've already spent £43.3 million, or 60% of their annual budget, in the first half of the year. 

Most money spent on fixing potholes between January and June 2025: 

1. Essex County Council - £43,295,000 

2. Kent County Council - £6,621,822 

3. Hertfordshire County Council - £6,598,000 

4. Staffordshire County Council - £5,081,672 

5. Devon County Council - £4,795,922 

On the other end of the spectrum, Carmarthenshire County Council has the smallest budget at just £510,000, followed by Blaenau Gwent with £1 million, raising questions about how funding is allocated and whether some regions are being left behind.

Jonathan, Motoring Expert at First Response Finance, comments:

"Lincolnshire's roads are clearly under pressure, but the level of investment suggests the council is taking steps to address it. Over a quarter of Brits believe potholes in their area are never fixed, and the data backs this up. Only 10% of councils have shown consistent improvement, while 26% have seen pothole numbers rise year on year.

"Maintaining roads isn't just about comfort; it's about safety. Poor road conditions can lead to tyre damage, suspension issues, and even accidents. That's why it's vital for councils to prioritise infrastructure and for drivers to stay informed."

Which areas are improving, and which are getting worse?

Nevertheless, not all councils are seeing worsening conditions. A handful have managed to reduce their pothole numbers year on year between 2022 and June 2025:

• Hertfordshire County Council - 38% reduction

• Kent County Council - 88% reduction (though numbers spiked again in early 2025)

• Lincolnshire County Council - 56% reduction (also spiked in 2025)

However, several councils have seen a dramatic increase in potholes over the past three years, despite the top three having some of the biggest budgets for repairs:

• Essex County Council - 162% increase

• Devon County Council - 160% increase

• North Yorkshire County Council - 101% increase

• Rhondda - 100% increase

• Torfaen - 108% increase

While some councils are making progress, delays in repairs in some areas are staggering. For example, Stoke-on-Trent has the longest average time to fix individual potholes at 657 days, followed by Westminster (556 days) and Norfolk (482 days).

Despite the poor state of many roads in the UK, people still require cars to get from A to B – including you! If you’re keen to purchase a car, but you require some help with the many finance options available to you, we can help.

Check out our used car finance guide to find out more.

Additional sources:

RAC - RAC Pothole Index - statistics and data for UK roads

Blackcircles - UK Pothole Report