Motorway bosses launch search for pothole free highway

Bosses at M6toll have challenged drivers to find the UK’s smoothest motorway.

It comes as the UK stages National Pothole Day, held annually to raise awareness of the dreaded holes in the road.

According to the RAC, the UK has more than one million potholes - with these road defects being one of the leading causes of car breakdowns.

But potholes aren’t a recent phenomenon the term “pothole” can be traced back to the Roman Empire.

Potters who couldn’t afford clay would steal it from the roads, causing deep holes in the road surface.

These days potholes appear because of a mix of environmental factors and road usage.

In addition to the annual freeze and thaw cycle, where water seeps into cracks, heavy traffic and poor drainage can also result in holes appearing around this time of year.

Road wear is another factor, made worse by a lack of proper maintenance.

Micheal Whelan, general manager at M6toll, which carries up to 65,000 vehicles every weekday, said: “At M6toll, we understand how annoying and potentially dangerous potholes can be.

“Our customers expect a high-quality road surface, and we deliver just that.”

The M6toll has in-house teams working 24/7 who monitor the road for potential damage and repairing issues before they become potholes.

This proactive approach ensures a smoother, safer drive for its customers.

Unlike the general road network, M6toll is privately funded.

The tolls that are collected allow it to maintain the road regularly, ensuring repairs are done quickly at times that cause the least disruption to drivers.

Micheal adds: “The potholes are worse than ever this year on some roads, but you won't find any on the M6toll!

“Our dedicated maintenance teams work around the clock to ensure the road is always in top condition.

“This high level of service means we can provide a safe, reliable, and pothole-free journey for our customers.

“No potholes mean fewer disruptions and a smoother, time-saving drive.

“Depending on their size, potholes can cause significant damage to vehicles and pose a danger to motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians.

“Even small potholes can lead to damage to tyres, suspension, and the steering system if hit repeatedly.”

Figures from the RAC show drivers encounter an average of six potholes per mile in England, and face spending around £500 on vehicle repairs because of pothole damage.

The Government has confirmed that an extra £500m will be made available for road maintenance including fixing potholes.

For more information visit the M6toll’s pothole patrol page.