Bracknell has been ranked third nationally after seeing an 88% increase in the number of potholes posing a potential danger to motorists.

Research by finance specialists, RIFT, has revealed that damage caused by potholes costs motorists an estimated £1.7bn last year.

Despite this, there was an 18% reduction in the number of potholes filled across the nation.

Last year, 1.4m potholes were fixed however this is 300,000 less than the 1.7m filled the year before.

Bracknell Forest came in third place after the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham has seen a 118% increase, followed by the Kensington and Chelsea which ranks second with a 107% increase.

Potholes have been a common complaint among residents of Bracknell Forest, with some people the roads “dangerous” and “a disgrace”.

"All of them" was the overwhelming response from Bracknell News readers after being asked what the worst road in Bracknell is.

READ MORE - MAPPED: Bracknell's worst roads plagued by potholes

Managing director of RIFT, Bradley Post, said: “The pothole epidemic is an issue that has been plaguing motorists for years and it’s disheartening to see that the number of potholes being filled has actually declined year on year. 

“As motorists, we’re hit with a raft of yearly costs in order to keep our cars on the road, from MOTs and repairs to tax and insurance. So, it certainly seems unfair that having paid our way and ensured our responsibilities are met, so many motorists have these costs added to due to damage from potholes.”

RIFT compared research from Kwik Fit that found in the last year alone, 13.3m cars were damaged due to potholes, with the average repair bill coming in at £127 – totalling a cost of almost £1.7bn across the nation. 

Looking at the number of potholes, RIFT found that Northumberland has the most potholes in the nation with more than 51,700, followed by Cornwall with 24,836 and North Yorkshire with 22,094.

Bradley Post continued: “Unfortunately, while some areas are certainly more pothole prone than others, you could fall foul of one wherever you are across the nation, but there are steps you can take to minimise the risk, such as driving with greater caution, avoiding puddles where possible and ensuring your tyres are up to the task. 

“If your car does succumb to pothole damage, make sure you document the incident, report the pothole in question and claim for the damage caused.”

Please send in photos of the worst potholes in Bracknell Forest to megan.oneill@newsquest.co.uk