UK road surfaces face increased pothole risks after record heatwaves

Motorists in the UK are being warned of an increase in potholes following the country’s hottest summer on record. While potholes are typically associated with wet or cold winters, the RAC reports that intense ultraviolet radiation and extreme heat can oxidize the bitumen that binds asphalt, making road surfaces brittle and prone to cracking.

These cracks can quickly evolve into serious defects due to traffic and subsequent rainfall. The deterioration is compounded by previous damage from a wet winter, which left only half of the road network in England and Wales in good condition earlier this year. Experts note that extreme weather, including heatwaves with temperatures exceeding 38°C, is putting significant strain on national infrastructure.

In response to road quality concerns, the UK government has increased council highway budgets in England to a record £1.6bn for 2025-26, with an additional £7.3bn allocated for road improvement works through the end of the decade.