What is the Worst County for Potholes?

It’s no secret that the UK has a serious pothole problem. 

In recent years, it seems like you can barely find a road in the country that isn’t covered by these fiendish road surface holes, and over time they can cause significant damage to our vehicles. 

The government has pledged £1.6 billion in funds to fix the problem, but many parts of the UK remain affected. In this article, the team at The Windscreen Company will take a look at the worst county for potholes in the country.

Total number of potholes in the UK

There is thought to be more than one million potholes in the UK. This staggering number was calculated by the RAC in 2025 after data was collected from many of the country’s local authorities. 

This equates to six potholes every mile in England and Wales and goes a long way in demonstrating why it has become such a problem. 

Causes of potholes

Potholes can be caused by a number of factors including:

• Freeze-thaw cycles – During cold weather, water can seep into the road surface. When it freezes, it can cause the road to crack, creating a pothole.
• Heavy traffic – Over time, constant heavy vehicle traffic can cause the road to deteriorate and become a pothole.
• Water damage – Rainwater and other moisture can seep into the road, weakening the tarmac over time and causing it to collapse in on itself.
• Poor construction – If a road hasn’t been constructed properly, it can cause potholes to form. 

Why does the UK have so many potholes?

The UK’s climate makes it more susceptible to potholes. Unlike warmer countries, the cold, and often wetter, weather conditions mean that potholes are more likely to form. 

However, in recent years the problem has certainly seemed to have gotten worse. This is largely due to the reduced resources local authorities have. Often, councils prioritise other services over potholes and this has created an environment where more are appearing but fewer are being repaired. The government is trying to counteract this by providing over £1 billion in new funding dedicated to pothole repairs. 

What is the worst county for potholes in the UK?

Derbyshire is the worst county for potholes in the UK. Freedom of Information (FOI) requests have revealed that Derbyshire has more than 90,000 potholes on its roads.

The list of worst counties for potholes is as follows:

1. Derbyshire – 90,596
2. Lancashire – 67,439
3. Northumberland – 51,703
4. Surrey – 43,191
5. Cornwall – 24, 836
6. North Yorkshire – 22,094
7. West Sussex – 21,785
8. Staffordshire – 20,764
9. Somerset – 19,299
10.  East Sussex – 13,081

How to avoid windscreen damage from potholes

Continuously driving over potholes increases the likelihood of sustaining damage to your vehicle. As well as damage to tyres and suspension, it can also damage windscreens. Stones can easily flick up from the potholes onto the glass, and if you already have existing damage, driving over these holes can make it worse. 

Driving over potholes is sometimes hard to avoid, but there are ways you can minimise the chances of damage. This includes:

• Decreasing speed as you drive over potholes
• Avoid harsh braking
• Keep a safe distance from the car in front of you
• Consider alternative routes if you know potholes are a problem

Whether your vehicle has suffered windscreen damage due to a pothole or for any other reason, The Windscreen Company is here to help. For more than 25 years we’ve provided leading windscreen repairs and replacements to customers across the West Midlands and the South East. We can restore your windscreen glass to a safe and roadworthy condition, getting you moving again as soon as possible. For more information or to receive a free quote, contact our team today. 

The Windscreen Company

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The Windscreen Company, has over 20 years of experience in windscreen repair and replacement. Since 1998, they have been at the forefront of industry innovation, leveraging the latest technology to ensure customer safety and satisfaction.

The Windscreen Company's, help-and-advice pages offer valuable tips and guidance on maintaining vehicle safety through quality windscreen care, while also featuring updated industry realted content.

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