Derbyshire is ‘Britain’s Pothole Capital’

Driving in the UK can be a bumpy ride these days…

Potholes are now a daily menace on Britain’s roads — damaging tyres, bending wheels, knocking off number plates and even causing accidents. Over the past few years, pothole reports have soared across the UK, with almost 1 million logged in a single recent year. Yet for most drivers, it feels like the problem is only getting worse.

To understand where drivers are struggling the most, motor experts at Number 1 Plates have compiled a list of the 10 UK counties worst affected by potholes. Drawing on reported pothole figures and national research from motoring bodies and insurance firms, this list shows the areas where road surfaces are in serious decline — and where motorists are most at risk.

According to motoring experts, the most common pothole-related issues include Punctured tyres, Bent wheels, Broken springs and suspension parts and Dislodged or shattered number plates. Swerving to avoid holes or braking hard can also cause accidents, particularly in wet or dark conditions. Cyclists and motorcyclists are especially vulnerable.

1. Derbyshire – Britain’s Pothole Capital

Reported potholes: 215,787
Derbyshire tops the table with more than 200,000 potholes reported in just three years. From rural roads to suburban streets, drivers frequently describe the county’s network as “cratered.” Many locals say they’ve learned to memorise where the worst holes are — because they rarely get properly fixed.

2. Durham – Northern Roads in Trouble

Reported potholes: 189,821
Drivers in Durham face one of the worst pothole problems in the UK. From city routes to Dales villages, the mix of freezing weather and ageing surfaces means potholes are appearing faster than they can be repaired.

3. Lancashire – Where Potholes Come Back Fast

Reported potholes: 189,461
Lancashire drivers are no strangers to pothole damage. Locals regularly report fresh holes reappearing in places that were only recently patched. It’s a frustrating cycle that’s become all too familiar across the county.

4. Surrey – Battered in the South East

Reported potholes: 142,564
Despite being one of the wealthiest parts of the country, Surrey’s roads are riddled with surface damage. Whether you’re in a town centre or driving through countryside, potholes are a constant hazard.

5. Northumberland – Rural Roads at Risk

Reported potholes: 132,319
In this large rural county, narrow country roads take the brunt of extreme weather. Potholes here are often deep, wide, and hard to avoid — especially at night or in bad weather.

A road in poor repair near Anniesland in Glasgow, Scotland / ATV 2022

6. Oxfordshire – Crumbling Under Pressure

Reported potholes: 79,795
From historic streets in Oxford to busy commuter routes, Oxfordshire’s road surfaces are under strain. Drivers often report long waits for repairs and repeated damage in the same locations.

7. Kirklees (West Yorkshire) – Urban Roads Suffering

Reported potholes: 73,721
This part of West Yorkshire includes towns like Huddersfield and Dewsbury — and its roads are showing the wear. Local drivers frequently report potholes large enough to damage tyres and wheel trims.

8. Somerset – Weather Woes in the South West

Reported potholes: 59,185
Flooding and freeze-thaw conditions have taken their toll on Somerset’s road network. Potholes here are not just annoying — they can be dangerous, especially on tight, winding lanes.

9. Staffordshire – Deep Holes, Big Headaches

Reported potholes: 58,689
In Staffordshire, the problem is widespread. Drivers regularly share photos of axle-breaking holes and shredded tyres. Many say they’ve simply learned to drive with caution — and keep a spare wheel handy.

10. Kent – Potholes in the Garden of England

Reported potholes: 58,284
As a major transport route to Europe, Kent sees high traffic volumes — and the potholes to match. Even main A-roads and rural shortcuts are frequently scarred with surface damage.

“Potholes aren’t just annoying — they wreck tyres, break suspension, and even knock off number plates. Without a front or rear plate, your car’s no longer road-legal. That means stress, fines, and extra expense. These road craters aren’t just ugly — they’re dangerous.” –  spokesperson for Number 1 Plates.

What Drivers Can Do

While major repairs are often out of a driver’s hands, Number 1 Plates give advice on ways to reduce the risk:

• Report serious potholes using your local authority’s online system
• Keep tyre pressures at recommended levels for better shock absorption
• Slow down on rough roads to minimise impact
• Check your number plates regularly and replace any that are loose or cracked