Drivers who choose SUVs are exacerbating Britain's pothole problem, according to experts. Research indicates that hundreds of thousands of people bought larger vehicles to navigate damaged roads, but these heavier cars are contributing to the issue.
Scientists say the cumulative effect of increasing numbers of heavier vehicles is a factor in the worsening state of potholes. SUVs accounted for over half of the 2 million new cars sold in the UK last year, and a growing share of secondhand sales.
Polling by Opinium for Kwikfit found that almost one in eight drivers in parts of the country, including London and Yorkshire, chose an SUV partly due to road conditions. However, experts warn that these buyers are adding to the problem they seek to avoid.
Dr Ali Rahman of the University of Leeds said: “The rising prevalence of SUVs does exacerbate pothole formation, because higher axle loads increase surface stresses, crack initiation, and road wear.” Prof Anna Goodman of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine noted that a typical SUV exerts about five times more force on the road than a standard car.
The Institution of Civil Engineers has identified heavier vehicles, including electric cars, as a factor in reducing road lifespan. London is considering extra charges on large SUVs due to safety and congestion concerns. The Asphalt Industry Alliance estimates the cost of fixing all potholes in England and Wales has reached a record £18.6bn.
