
If you recently drove a vehicle, you most likely encountered a few potholes. For commercial vehicles, potholes can have a big impact, cause disruption, and be very dangerous; they are not only an irritation.
At Tilly Hire, we are aware that our vans, trucks, and lorries are essential for our clients to successfully complete their jobs. So we are increasing your knowledge of pothole-related hazards and how we help you stay on the road.
The State of the Roads: A Quick Reality Check
In 2024/25, across England and Wales, over 1.8 million potholes were repaired, costing over £137 million.
There are an estimated 1.4 million potholes on UK roads at any given time.
The RAC reported a nearly 40% increase in pothole-related breakdowns involving commercial vehicles last year.
Pothole damage costs UK drivers over £1 billion annually, with vans, trucks and HGVs facing the highest repair bills.
Did you know: Potholes can have a big impact on commercial vehicles
When a commercial vehicle hits a pothole, the damage is often more severe due to the weight and load being carried. We’ve seen damage including:
Tyre blowouts and rim cracks
Bent axles and alignment issues
Suspension system wear
Load instability and delayed deliveries
And if you maintain a tight delivery schedule or manage a fleet, that kind of disruption is not just annoying but may also cost money, jobs, and customers.
Keeping Your Hire Rolling
We take pothole damage very seriously, so we have set up procedures to reduce your risk:
Pre-hire inspections: Before you leave, every van, truck and lorry is checked closely.
Roadside support: We have your back 24/7 anywhere in the UK.
Damage support: transparent, fair handling of pothole-related damage – no nasty surprises.
On the Road? Here's what you can do.
Although we handle the vehicle side of things, here are some tips to help you steer clear of pothole problems:
Drive carefully on badly maintained roads, especially in the dark or in bad weather conditions.
Don't think puddles are shallow; often they conceal major dips.
Report damage immediately to our team; the sooner we know, the faster we can assist.
Record any potholes you strike using the local council's website; this helps to maintain roads for everyone.
Why Choose Tilly Hire?
We have built our reputation on reliability, flexibility and honest service. Tilly Hire is trusted by businesses and individuals across the United Kingdom. Whether you're transporting heavy equipment, delivering goods, or relocating on a large scale, we have the right van, truck, or lorry to meet your needs.
We recognise the financial and logistical impact of time off the road, which is why we strive to maintain your mobility, even during periods of poor road conditions.
Need a commercial vehicle? Choose Tilly Hire and confidently navigate through the challenges ahead.