Following the UK’s worst snowfall in over a decade with storm Goretti, deteriorating road conditions and concealed potholes are creating heightened risks for motorists. On National Pothole Day (15 January 2026) Peter Simson, Director at Loughborough’s Tyron Runflat, inventor of the world’s only multi-piece rubber Runflat system and based at Castle Business Park, outlines key dangers and safety considerations for road users.
The Department of Transport has just launched a new map system to show how well local councils are tackling potholes. Through a red, amber and green grading, 154 local highway authorities are included, among those classified as red is Leicestershire.
Temperatures plummeted last week as the UK experienced some of the coldest temperatures of winter so far with Leicestershire dipping to -6°C.
Potholes are formed when water seeps into road cracks and freezes, which expands the crack, and thaws, leaving a gap. Combined with traffic weight and weakened ground, potholes rapidly grow as the process repeats.
“Recent freezing temperatures pose a real threat to the conditions of our roads.” Peter said. “As temperatures drop below freezing, empty voids are formed under the road surface. More pothole formation is found during periods of frequent freeze-thaw cycles, which is why we’re highlighting the dangers of potholes and the preventative measures motorists can take to stay safe on the treacherous roads.”
In the Autumn Budget, the government announced that by 2029-30, it will commit over £2 billion annually for local authorities to repair, renew and fix potholes on roads.
Peter added: “Latest government investments are a step in the right direction and will provide local authorities with the resources required to make a real difference. However, we do fear this could be too little too late as the number of pothole related accidents continue to rise. Changes can’t happen overnight.
“Impact damage from a pothole may not be visible at the time but wheels, and in particular aluminium wheels, are susceptible to fatigue cracks that worsen over time. This is sometimes confused with slow punctures and may ultimately lead to structural failure of the wheel later. Potholes don’t only pose a threat of immediate tyre blowouts; damage to the tyres and wheels is commonplace now, but sever impact may also damage suspension, which can lead to alignment issues resulting in poor handling.”
Latest findings from RAC estimate there are on average six potholes per mile on council-controlled roads in England and Wales. Over the 12 months to the end of September 2025, drivers were direct victims of potholes on a total of 25,758 occasions – an 11 per cent increase on the same period a year earlier.
Peter concluded: “We have built our business on providing reliable tyre safety solutions, which includes our Tyron Multiband. The Multiband enables the tyre to lock onto the wheel rim in the event of a blowout, preventing catastrophic loss of control which gives the driver a chance to reach a place of safety. To have complete peace of mind, road users must remain vigilant with their tyre checks and ensure they are taking the necessary steps to ensure their vehicles safety.”