The UK’s road network is under increasing strain. There are now thought to be more than one million potholes across the country, with these defects a leading cause of vehicle breakdowns, according to the RAC. The impact is accelerating: last month alone saw an average of 225 pothole-related breakdowns per day - more than three times higher than the same period last year and over five times the daily average recorded across 2025.

At the same time, the challenge shows little sign of easing. The Asphalt Industry Alliance’s latest ALARM Survey estimates the UK’s road maintenance backlog has reached a record £18.62 billion, underlining the growing pressure on both public infrastructure and the fleets that rely on it. Andrew Tavener, Head of Fleet Marketing EMEA at Descartes, gives advice how fleet operators can mitigate the impact of deteriorating road conditions.

“The scale of the UK’s road maintenance backlog highlights a growing challenge for fleet operators. Poor road conditions don’t just impact journey times – they increase vehicle wear and tear, raise maintenance costs and add further pressure to already stretched delivery operations.

“Fleet operators must take action if they want to reduce the operational impact the roads are having on their vehicles. Advanced route planning and telematics tools enable businesses to minimise unnecessary mileage, select more efficient routes and adapt quickly to changing road and traffic conditions. In turn this means there is less time spent on the road and therefore fleets limit exposure to damaged infrastructure while improving vehicle utilisation and lowering operating costs.”

“These technologies also support more accurate ETAs and better communication with customers, helping businesses maintain reliable delivery performance even when external conditions are unpredictable. As cost pressures continue to build, improving day-to-day fleet efficiency will be critical to protecting margins, extending vehicle lifespan and maintaining service levels.” 

www.descartes.com