POTHOLE PANIC: Taxi drivers risk £2,500 fines for swerving to avoid road damage

Potholes have become a significant issue for UK drivers, but for taxi drivers, they pose a greater threat. Covering vast distances daily, taxi drivers are constantly at risk of encountering road damage that could cause costly repairs or accidents.

A recent survey, following a Freedom of Information request by SimplyQuote, revealed that 92% of drivers feel potholes are worsening in their areas.

Faced with potential vehicle damage, many taxi drivers are left with little choice but to swerve to avoid dangerous potholes. However, this manoeuvre comes with risks of its own. Nearly 94% of taxi drivers admit to making these sudden moves, often unaware that such actions can result in hefty fines. Drivers deemed to have been driving recklessly to avoid potholes can be fined up to £2,500 or receive penalty points for careless driving.

Taxi drivers typically travel over 46,500 miles annually, carrying around 5,750 passengers. With the industry growing and the number of taxi users expected to reach 16.39 million by 2029, road safety and vehicle maintenance are crucial. But the reality is that 83% of taxi drivers who suffer pothole damage end up paying for repairs themselves. Only a small fraction of drivers, around 6%, turn to insurance, likely due to concerns over losing their no-claims discount and paying the excess.

Drivers who face pothole damage do have options. They can seek compensation by filing a claim with the relevant council, local road authority, or through their insurance. However, the success of such claims depends heavily on evidence. Taxi drivers are advised to document everything – from the size and location of the pothole to the incident’s timing. Supporting evidence, such as mechanic reports or photos of the damage, can significantly help.

Chris Richards, CEO of SimplyQuote and taxi insurance expert, said: “Taxi drivers across the UK are undoubtedly struggling as the pothole situation worsens. Costly repairs are the last thing drivers need when they’re already battling the challenges of earning a living in today's climate. But we want to raise awareness about the options available to those who suffer damage due to an unrepaired pothole.

“Unfortunately, many drivers aren’t aware that swerving to avoid potholes could land them in trouble with the law. Our survey found that 66% of drivers didn’t realise it was illegal to swerve.

“Given that 92% of drivers feel the pothole problem in their area is worsening, it’s no surprise that many resort to risky driving manoeuvres to protect their vehicles.

“When claiming for pothole damage, providing comprehensive information, including witness details, will significantly boost the chances of securing compensation.

“If your local council rejects your claim, you can turn to your insurance provider for support. Just be mindful that doing so may impact your no claims bonus, so it’s worth checking the fine print on your policy. You might also want to get a quote with the claim added to see how much your premium could increase before making a final decision.”