What has the government announced?
On 21 October 2026 the Department for Transport published figures from local councils showing nearly 7,000 miles of road resurfacing due this year, up 10% on last year. It said 94% of councils will carry out preventative work, such as surface dressing, compared with 76% last year, and that councils will spend £4.9bn on road maintenance.
It also released £220m of incentive funding to councils across England for meeting performance targets. Further money later in the year depends on councils hitting their targets and can be withheld if they do not.
Will it save drivers £600?
The government says the average driver could save "up to nearly £600" on costly repairs. That is the government's own estimate, and it has not published the calculation behind it, so treat it as an upper figure rather than a typical saving.
Has your car been damaged by a pothole?
Hitting a pothole can damage tyres, wheels and suspension. Some of that damage is an MOT fail, and some of it is dangerous. Under the MOT inspection manual:
| Damage | MOT result |
|---|---|
| Tyre with a lump, bulge or tear from structural failure | Dangerous |
| Tyre with a cut deep enough to reach the ply or cords | Major (fail) |
| Wheel with a fracture or weld defect | Dangerous |
| Badly distorted wheel | Major (fail) |
| Fractured or seriously weakened suspension spring | Major (fail) |
After a hard hit, check for:
- Bulges or cuts on the sidewall of the tyre. A bulge means the tyre's structure has failed and it needs replacing straight away.
- Dents or cracks in the wheel rim, or a tyre that keeps losing pressure.
- The car pulling to one side or the steering wheel sitting off-centre, which can mean the wheel alignment needs checking.
- New knocks or clunks over bumps, which can point to suspension damage.
Our tyre pressure guide and tread depth guide cover the basics, and a car's free MOT history shows any past tyre, wheel or suspension advisories.
How to report a pothole
- England and Wales: report it to the local council through GOV.UK, using your postcode.
- Motorways and major A roads in England: report it to National Highways.
- Scotland: report it to your council through mygov.scot.
- Northern Ireland: report it on the nidirect map.
If a pothole damages your car, take photos of the pothole and the damage, and keep your repair receipts. Contact the authority responsible for the road to ask about making a claim.
Questions drivers ask
How much is the government spending on potholes?
Councils will spend £4.9bn on road maintenance this year, and the government released £220m of extra incentive funding to councils in England in October 2026.
How many miles of road are being resurfaced?
Nearly 7,000 miles this year, according to council figures published by the Department for Transport on 21 October 2026, up 10% on last year.
Can pothole damage fail an MOT?
Yes. A tyre with a bulge or tear is a dangerous defect, and a deep cut in a tyre, a badly distorted wheel or a broken suspension spring are major defects.
How do I report a pothole?
In England and Wales, report it to your local council through GOV.UK. For motorways and major A roads in England, report it to National Highways.
Sources
- DfT: Record funding, record results: 7,000 miles of smoother journeys as government tackles potholes (21 October 2026)
- DVSA: MOT inspection manual, section 5 (axles, wheels, tyres and suspension)
- GOV.UK: Report a pothole
Facts checked against the sources above on 26 October 2026. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
