Potholes are one of voters’ primary concerns, poll shows

Potholes are the most important issue for a third of voters in this week’s local elections, a poll shows.

An Opinium poll for the Observer found that the poor state of roads is second only to the NHS in the minds of those going to the polls. While 44% per cent of voters across England said the health service was their main priority, 33% cited potholes and road maintenance.

Around a quarter of the country is holding local elections on 1 May. The potential for smaller parties including Reform, the Lib Democrats and the Greens to capitalise on discontent over local issues is highlighted by the fact that 44% of people do not trust either Labour or the Conservatives to fix the roads.

Last week the RAC published figures showing that the number of call-outs to damaged cars increased by 19% in the first three months of this year compared with the same period in 2024. Its patrols dealt with nearly 9,500 pothole-related breakdowns between January and March.

Drivers encounter an average of six potholes per mile in England and Wales, according to the RAC. Research last month from the Asphalt Industry Alliance suggested that it would cost almost £17bn to fill all the potholes in England and Wales.

Photograph: Gareth Fuller/PA Wire