Potholes increased by bad weather
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Posted by Joanna Simons
Business car leasing and commercial vehicle hire customers are among those being caught up in accidents and making claims for compensation as a result of potholes on Britain's roads.
Potholes are an issue for all fleet solutions bosses - whether they are running a set of cars or commercial vehicles - as they cause costly damage, especially on tyres and suspension.
The pothole problem has been accentuated in recent weeks as Britain has battled against one of its coldest spells in 30 years.
With water freezing in small gaps that occur over time and forcing them to widen, potholes have been created and have caused a headache for those running a fleet ever since.
Last February's snow created 40% more potholes which in turn caused a 250% rise in the number of insurance claims related to the hazards, according to the AA.
Potholes should be at the top of the list for fleet solutions managers wanting to give their drivers the latest hints and tips for the roads that lay ahead of them this month.
They can be dangerous to drivers and "lethal" to those on two wheels, the AA states - a warning which may ring in the ears of fleet users with the safety of their drivers at stake.
Avoiding potholes will not only mean drivers are sticking to their employer's risk management strategy and helping to preserve the safety of those around them, they will also be reducing the amount and severity of damage done to vehicles.
Having leased vehicles from a company, fleet solutions managers would be best advised to check them regularly for signs of damage caused by the weather in a bid to prevent further accidents and minimise any problems.
The AA says that potholes will pose the biggest danger to drivers in areas which have been poorly repaired in the past, where utility reinstatements are not up to scratch, on highways where snow has not yet melted and on stretches of road yet to thaw.
President of the AA Edmund King says: "The pothole season has come early this year. Drivers will be relieved when the snow has gone but shouldn't be complacent. Due to the severe winter, it could be a record year for potholes – a million scars of the worst winter in 30 years."
The organisation estimates that it would cost hundreds of millions of pounds for local authorities across Britain to fully repair potholes and provide a smooth road surface once more.
Reporting a pothole to the council is important though - and motorists may wish to consider that they could be saving the life of a fellow commercial vehicle hire driver.
Although a period of disruption is likely to ensue - transport secretary Lord Adonis says that "roads might have to be abandoned" should repair works on the most serious potholes not be completed - safety and following a leasing customer's risk management strategy are undoubtedly the most important factors to consider.
Local authorities, which are responsible for road safety, should be given extra funding to clear the pothole problem, the AA believes.
It suggests that by providing extra funding to secure the safety of those driving for commercial vehicle hire contract owners, the government would save a significant sum on hospital treatment and insurance payouts. 
