Breakdowns linked to potholes up by 63%

Pothole-related breakdowns surged in the first three months of 2017, new figures show.

The RAC said the condition of local roads is on a knifeedge and one season of cold and wet weather could make it worse than ever.

It dealt with more than 6,500 breakdowns between January and March likely to be attributable to poor road surfaces, up 63% on the same period last year.

This included broken suspension springs, damaged shock absorbers and distorted wheels.

The last time the firm recorded as many pothole-related defects was in 2015.

It described the figures as a major concern.