A growing number of motorists are backing the idea of introducing extra charges for heavier vehicles, with the revenue going directly towards fixing the UK’s worsening pothole problem, according to new survey findings.
More than half of drivers (56%) think heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) should pay additional fees specifically to help fund pothole repairs. Just 17% disagreed with the idea of introducing such a charge.
The study, conducted by Kwik Fit, also revealed that 44% of respondents supported the introduction of a separate pothole levy aimed at delivery vans. Just over one in five (23%) were opposed to that proposal.
In addition, 48% of those surveyed said drivers of heavier cars should pay a higher rate of vehicle excise duty to reflect the extra wear and tear they cause to road surfaces. Around a fifth (21%) were not in favour of this.
Kwik Fit’s annual Pothole Impact Tracker (PIT Report), released in March 2025, estimated that UK drivers collectively spent £1.7 billion over the past year repairing damage caused by potholes.
Meanwhile, figures from the 2025 Alarm Report, compiled by the Asphalt Industry Alliance (AIA), show that councils estimate a total of £16.8 billion is needed to bring roads across the country up to standard. This backlog has increased by 42% since 2016. Over the same time frame, Kwik Fit notes the average financial burden on individual drivers has soared by 150%.
The survey results also indicate that most drivers already feel they contribute enough through existing taxes and charges, with only 26% saying they’d be willing to pay more in road tax to support repairs in their local area. It also found a clear generational split, with younger drivers being more open to paying higher road tax for road improvements, with 40% of Gen Z and 38% of Millennials in favour. In contrast, only 18% of Generation X and just 15% of Baby Boomers shared that view.
Although the Government has recently introduced new initiatives and additional funding to address the pothole crisis, public confidence remains low. Kwik Fit’s research found that nearly two-thirds of drivers (64%) don’t expect any meaningful improvements to road conditions in their area anytime soon.