POOR winter weather led to one of the worst periods for pothole related breakdowns, new figures show.

The RAC said they were called out to around 5,500 breakdowns caused by potholes in the first three months of 2018.

Driving through deeper potholes can cause damaged shock absorbers and distorted wheels, the RAC said. They estimate that the total repair bill for UK drivers could hit £100 million.

Simon Williams of the breakdown rescue service told BBC Wiltshire:  “Our roads are in a pretty bad state and of course the bad weather has made things worse.”

He said that the snow and wet weather had opened up cracks in roads – making existing potholes worse: “Potholes have sprung up everywhere – probably more than daffodils in the spring.”

He said that RAC mechanics had been called out to 14 drivers who had damaged their car on the same M25 pothole.

Last month, the Government promised Swindon road chiefs £270,000 to tackle potholes – part of a £100 million pot for councils to repair cracked road surfaces following the poor winter weather. Wiltshire Council was promised £1.8 million.

Councillor Toby Elliott, Swindon Borough Council’s cabinet member for strategic planning and sustainability, said: “After what has been the longest cold snap with the most snow in recent memory, I welcome these funds to repair our roads damaged in the severe weather.

“It is thanks to our strong economy and looking after our finances that the Conservative government is able to continue investing in Swindon’s roads.”