Happy 30th Birthday to the BMW M5 Supersaloon, celebrate with a new Limited Edition M5 30 Jahre Edition.

To celebrate 30 years of the BMW M5 – the founder member of the high-performance business Saloon segment – BMW has created an exclusive, special-edition of the current, fifth-generation model boasting performance that sets it apart from its stablemates. The BMW M5 30 Jahre Edition (30 years of the M5) will be produced in a limited run of just 300 vehicles worldwide. Only 30 cars will come to the UK.

Developing 600hp and peak torque of 700Nm, this special-ed ition (combined fuel consumption 28.5mpg; CO₂ emissions: 231g/km) is not only the most powerful BMW M5 ever to emerge from series production under the auspices of BMW M GmbH, but also the most powerful production car in the history of the brand. The M5 30 Jahre Edition sprints from zero to 62mph in a lightning fast 3.9 seconds. Its BMW Individual-inspired looks and dynamic and comfort-enhancing equipment make this special edition M5 set to be a highly desirable collector’s item.

Further increased performance.

Under the bonnet of the BMW M5 30 Jahre Edition is a 4.4-litre V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology and an output of 600hp, 40hp more than the standard model. This power boost has been achieved through carefully calculated tweaks to the engine management and an increase in charge pressure.

The foundation for these upgrades was provided by the Competition package – itself a car that already came with a power upgrade. Conceived to appreciably enrich the handling characteristics of the BMW M5, it can be ordered as an option for the regular model and is part of the special edition’s standard specification. The Competition package comprises modifications including a revised chassis set-up with firmer spring/damper tuning and a 10mm drop in ride height. Added to which, the Active M Differential on the final drive gains its own control unit to further improve traction. Elsewhere, the steering with M-specific Servotronic function has more direct mapping and the M Dynamic Mode of the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system is focused even more keenly on delivering sporty handling.

Exclusive design exudes dynamic performance.

In keeping with the anniversary celebrations which have inspired its creation, the special-edition model has been given the BMW Individual treatment. As a result, it cuts a more dynamic, head-turning figure than its standard siblings. The striking BMW Individual Frozen Dark Silver metallic paint accentuates the elegantly muscular forms of the BMW M5. The kidney grille surround, gills with ‘30 Jahre M5’ badge on the front wing, door handle inserts and twin exhaust tailpipes all come in black chrome. The same is true of the 20-inch bi-colour M light-alloy wheels.

The interior of the BMW M5 30 Jahre Edition includes exclusive touches to highlight the anniversary. The driver and front passenger will be greeted by ‘30 Jahre M5’ lettering on the front door sill finishers, while a plaque bearing ‘30 Jahre M5’ and ‘1/300’ inscription is integrated into the Dark Aluminium Trace interior trim. The ‘30 Jahre M5’ logo is also embroidered into the backrests of all four of the high-performance Saloon’s seats.

Both the driver and front passenger in the M5 30 Jahre Editon can settle into M Sport multifunction seats upholstered in Individual Black Alcantara and Full Merino leather. Alcantara Anthracite trims the centre console and door panels as well as the M Sport multifunction steering wheel. A harman/kardon surround-sound system with a total of 16 speakers is also included as standard and a 1,200-watt Bang & Olufsen Advanced audio system is available as an option. In addition to the exclusive content this car it also features as standard such equipment as Adaptive LED Headlights, Comfort Access with smart opener, Driving Assistant, lumbar support and split folding rear seats with additional 12 volt power sockets.

The M5 30 Jahre Edition represents a new high point in 30 years of success that began at BMW Motorsport GmbH in Munich in 1984, and continues to raise the pulses of car fans around the world today. It is on sale now and costs £91,890 OTR.

After its 5th Sports car of the year win, the Peugeot RCZ launches a new Limited Edition.

• Bespoke, high-specification ‘Red Carbon’ RCZ is now available to order
• Exclusively available in a choice of Moroccan Red or Nera Black
• Key features include red-stitched interior, bespoke badging, high specification and power unit choice

A new PEUGEOT RCZ ‘Red Carbon’ LE model is announced, combining high specification, bespoke trim and ‘Red Carbon’ badging, distinguished by a red-stitched interior.  

The ‘Red Carbon’ models are a Limited Edition of 300 models, derived from the Sport model and distinguished with unique badging.  Each model features as standard the ‘Vision Pack’ – with Xenon, directional and self-levelling headlamps, 19'' 'Solstice' alloy wheels – with their onyx black matt paintwork finish, metallic paintwork in Moroccan Red or Nera Black, complemented by the ‘Black Pack’ which includes matt black roof arches, brilliant black front grill, door mirror covers and brake callipers.

On the inside, unique ‘Red Carbon’ black style sports front seats trimmed in ‘Simple Leather’ feature red stitching, as do the ‘Red Carbon’ style dashboard, sports steering wheel and short shift gear lever.

For in-car entertainment, Red Carbon models are equipped with the PEUGEOT Connect Navigation (RT6), Audio, CD and satellite navigation system and PEUGEOT Connect USB Box with Bluetooth connectivity.

The following Red Carbon models are available:

Power unit and output	UK price	CO2	Combined Cycle economy	0-62mph
1.6-litre THP 156 petrol engine	£26,000	149	44.1mpg	8.3 seconds
1.6-litre THP 200 petrol engine	£28,400	155	42.1mpg	7.6 seconds
2.0-litre HDi 163 Diesel engine	£27,850	135	54.3mpg	8.7 seconds

Peugeot RCZ wins Diesel Sports car of the year for the fifth year running.

• Award-winning RCZ has established a strong niche, with highly distinctive character
• RCZ Sports Coupé brings many virtues to provide driving pleasure with efficiency
• 2.0-litre HDi 163 Diesel models account for over 40 per cent of UK RCZ sales  

The PEUGEOT RCZ, uniquely distinguished by its double-bubble roofline has been awarded the DieselCar magazine Sports Car of the Year Award 2014 – a title it has won for the past five years.

Combining a drop-dead, gorgeous style and an efficient and punchy 2.0-litre turbocharged Diesel engine, the RCZ Sports Coupé has the capability to deliver on so many fronts. Re-styled in 2013, the RCZ has a stylish yet practical disposition, able to fold its rear seats to reveal a cavernous boot space, while its sports seats hug the occupants.

Available in Sport trim from £23,950 or GT specification from £26,350, it represents impressive value with CO₂ at just 135g/km and economy on the Combined Drive Cycle of 54.3mpg, yet it can also accelerate to 62mph in 8.7 seconds on to a potential top speed of 137mph. Just a few of the many reasons it is a regular award-winning combination.

Ian Robertson, Editor of DieselCar, said: "The PEUGEOT RCZ offers a rewarding driving experience, agile handling and a well sorted ride, and frugal diesel power. It really is the icing on the cake for the sexily styled sports coupé."

MG again posts super results for April and year to date.

• Fastest growing brand in UK in April and year to date
• 5 year worry-free package on MG6GT and Magnette
• £99 per month 0% APR finance available on MG3 3Time
• MG celebrating 90^th anniversary at Silverstone on 21June
• Results due to great value of MG3, MG6 and major expansion of UK dealer network

Figures issued today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show MG increased sales by a market leading 1600% in April 2014 compared with April 2013, from just 13 cars last year to 221cars sold this April.

This is the second consecutive month where MG has registered the largest percentage increase in monthly sales in the UK.

The SMMT figures also show MG having an industry leading 715% increase in sales from January to April – up from 94 cars in 2013 to 767 in 2014.

This success is being driven by the outstanding value-for-money of the new MG3 supermini range and the multi-award winning MG6 GT fastback and Magnette sports saloons and a major expansion of the dealer network.

MG has appointed 13 new dealers across the country so far in 2014 and is on plan to grow to around 80 sales points by the end of the year.

The incredible sales success is a great birthday present for the MG brand which this year celebrates its 90^thanniversary with a major event at Silverstone on June 21^st and 22^nd.

The MG6 recently scooped the Best Handling car award in the Auto Express 2014 Driver Power awards and MG was voted the third Best Manufacturer in the Driver Power awards.

Until the end of June, the award winning MG6 now comes with an amazing 5 year peace of mind package that includes5 years (or 75,000 miles) free servicing, 5 year free warranty, 5 year AA cover, 5 year fuel subsidy and 5 year 5% APR finance.

MG6 boasts an impressive equipment list as standard on all models, with class leading interior and boot space, and MG driving dynamics available in both a sporty GT Fastback and Magnette sports saloon body styles. Both are available in 1.8-litre turbo petrol and 1.9-litre turbo diesel variants. The range starts from just £15,455 and includes the new 350 Nm, 150 PS, six speed diesel engine, which emits only 129g/Km of CO₂; making the MG6 diesel variant road tax exempt for the first year, and costing only £110 a year to tax thereafter.

Equally impressive is the MG3 supermini available until the end of June with £99 per month 0% APR finance on 3Time, which is fun to buy, fun to drive and fun to own with over one million personalisation options.  It has class leading chassis dynamics, and exceptional value for money aftercare packages. MG3s range from £8,399 to £9,999, or on PCP with 0% APR on 3Time and monthly payments from just £99 per month. The MG3 benefits from an ultra low 4E insurance group, strong residuals of up to 61 per cent, class leading interior and boot space, and high levels of equipment on all specifications as standard, as well as complete peace of mind with the three years fixed servicing package MG CARE3, the ultimate in carefree ownership.

MG’s Sales & Marketing Director, Guy Jones, said: “These are outstanding results for us and we are delighted. It’s also great for the British car industry, which we are proud to be part of. Modern MG’s are designed; engineered and the final assembly of our cars takes place here at the MG Birmingham site in Longbridge.

“The success of the MG3 and MG6 ranges is down to the great design and engineering quality of the cars, the outstanding value-for-money with very high levels of standard specification and of course the fantastic driving dynamics and handling.”

He added: “Our results show that once people test drive an MG they are delighted and our sales will certainly increase throughout 2014. With the major expansion in MG’s dealer network bringing MG within reach of most of the major towns and cities this year, more people are now getting the chance to see for themselves what MG has to offer.” 

Isuzu enjoys a huge %age increase in sales for April and year to date.

• Best ever April for Isuzu UK
• Sales 50% up on same time last year

Isuzu UK has just had another record breaking month by achieving its best ever April sales result with its award winning D-Max. With 389 vehicles registered, it represents a 50% increase over the same month last year.

The Japanese pick-up only brand was also the number one in private and retail sales as it continues to punch above its weight in the pick-up segment.

Official sales figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) confirm that deliveries of the D-Max pick-up have totalled 1711 so far year to date, a 19.5% uplift on 2013. While the D-Max continues to have particular appeal for private buyers and small businesses, a sustained targeting of fleets is now starting to pay dividends as fleet buyers recognise the benefits of strong residual values, highly competitive running costs and 5 year warranty.  

William Brown, General Manager at Isuzu UK, commented: “The D-Max continues to break sales records for us in the UK and collect industry awards and we are now by a considerable margin the biggest market for the D-Max in Europe. We will continue to target new sectors who would benefit from the D-Max ownership including the construction industry and fleet buyers.”

A number of high profile marketing initiatives are helping to raise the profile of the Brand among new audiences, including the sponsorship of Sky’s coverage of the Rugby Super League. Isuzu UK has also recently become the official vehicle partner with the D-Max of the Rugby Football League.

The recent addition of the special-edition Isuzu D-Max Blade means Isuzu has one of the widest and most versatile pick-up line-ups in the UK.

The NEW Yamaha MT-125

Don’t be afraid of the Dark!

Yamaha's recently launched MT-09 and MT-07 have powered to the top of the sales rankings and captured the imagination of European motorcyclists who are looking for a new kind of riding excitement. Inspired by the Dark Side of Japan, these edgy new MT models are all about pure riding emotion. For 2014 Yamaha expand the MT range even further with the new MT-125 - its first streetfighter-style model in the 125cc category that aims to open the MT World to younger riders.

Serious ‘full-size’ bike image

The new MT-125 has been shaped by the strong MT family DNA to give it a charismatic appearance and a commanding street presence that is reinforced by its genuine big bike looks and advanced technology. Every detail on this new streetfighter - from the angular headlight through to the upswept tail - has been shaped by its MT DNA to create a new kind of 125 with a serious ‘full-size’ bike image.

Design Overview

Streetfighter looks with supersport technology

Being developed on the same platform as the 2014 YZF-R125, the new MT features a naked chassis that emphasizes its physical presence. Blending streetfighter style with supersport technology, the MT-125 brings real attitude to the class.

Sports riding position for everyday use

Like the larger capacity MT models, the new MT-125's ergonomics give a sporty and relatively upright riding position. Compared to the YZF-R125 supersport model, the MT-125 has a less extreme riding position for both the rider and passenger, making this radical new MT ideally suited to everyday fun in the city and on the open road.

Imposing frontal area

The unique character of the MT-125 is defined by the strong stature of the front end that features a low and angular headlamp with LED day lights whose aggressive image is emphasized by the high-shouldered air intakes. As well as giving a forceful and original face to the MT-125, the forward sloping headlamp and air intakes reinforce the dynamic downforce lines of the naked body.

High tech cockpit

The design of the full LCD instrumentation is inspired by smart phone aesthetics, and features bar style displays that include a shift light and rpm graphic - and when the bike is turned on there's an animated display that greets the rider.

Short tail design

The streetfighter looks are reinforced by an upswept tail that complements the forward sloping lines of the fuel tank and air intakes to give an aggressive silhouette with a crouching, mass-forward image. The bike's muscular and compact look is also underlined by the location of the LED taillight beneath the tail, which gives a short and uncluttered rear end.

Strong looking engine area

The MT-125's central area around the engine and fuel tank have been designed to be as compact as possible in order to accentuate the feeling of strength created by the aggressive silhouette and dynamic downforce lines. The single cylinder 125cc engine is equipped with a close fitting underguard that underlines the mass-forward image, and the impression of forward motion is highlighted further by the angled lines of the bodywork as well as the forward sloping cylinder. With the ducted side panels and matt black engine mounted closely around the Deltabox frame, the MT-125's tightly packed side profile projects an overall impression of strength and power.

High overall quality

In addition to its unique character and aggressive style, the MT-125 exudes a feeling of quality. The combination of smart design and high specification components creates a very special kind of motorcycle that opens up the choice available to our younger customers.

Design highlights

• Serious ‘full-size’ bike image
• Streetfighter style bodywork
• Shaped by charismatic MT family DNA
• Low, angular headlamp and wide air intakes give strong stature
• Sporty and commanding riding position
• Short tail with dynamic downforce design
• Fully exposed matt-black engine with lightweight underguard
• High-tech cockpit area with clear road view
• High-end supersport class chassis components

Technical Overview

New tank, seat, footrests and handlebars

The MT-125 features a new tank, seat and footrest design that gives a more upright position than the YZF-R125 supersport. Its shorter tank gives a hip position 42mm further forward, while seat height is reduced by 5mm to 820mm. Tapered handlebars with large aluminium clamps also contribute towards the new low-stress riding position by being 100m higher and 35mm further back than the YZF-R125. These MT-specific ergonomics make the MT-125 perfect for everyday usage and give increased bike control in the urban jungle.

Revised steering angle for high agility

Together with its new ergonomics, the MT-125 features a steering angle of 33.5 degrees. Combined with the lower seat height and new riding position, this revised steering geometry gives high agility - especially in lower speed urban riding - making the MT-125 a versatile bike that feels Yamaha Motor easy to manoeuvre in narrow or congested streets.

High specification front end

The MT-125's advanced supersport-derived technology includes 41mm upside down front forks that deliver high levels of rigidity for precise and confident steering and handling characteristics. With 130mm of travel at the front end together with 114mm available through the linked monoshock rear suspension, the MT-125 is built to give a sporty and comfortable ride. The front braking system is one of the most advanced in the class, and features a floating 292mm diameter disc that is equipped with a radially mounted caliper for excellent initial response combined with highly effective stopping power.

Lightweight race-style thin-spoke wheels

New race-style wheels feature a multi-spoke design consisting of six sets of thin Y-shaped spokes that emphasize the MT-125's high-tech and lightweight appearance. The new wheels run with a 100/80-17 front tyre and a 130/70-17 rear tyre that offer good levels of traction, and the wide section rear tyre underlines the bike's no-compromise streetfighter image.

LED taillight and new style muffler

The upswept tail end is fitted with a compact license plate holder that enhances the streetfighter look, and to keep overall length to a minimum the new LED taillight is mounted beneath the tail unit. There's also a newly designed muffler that gives plenty of cornering clearance and emits a throaty exhaust note.

Technical highlights

• Developed on the same platform as the 2014 specification YZF-R125
• Newly designed shorter tank, lower seat and minimalist bodywork for a more “urban” riding position
• Wide handlebars and revised steering angle for high agility in traffic
• Supersport-style 41mm diameter upside down front forks
• Linked monoshock rear suspension with spring preload adjustment
• Single 292mm diameter floating front disc brake with radial caliper
• New racing style thin-spoke wheels
• 125cc single cylinder liquid-cooled 4-stroke SOHC 4-valves
• Steel Deltabox frame for strength and light weight
• Dry weight 126kg / Wet weight 138kg

Accessories

A wide range of Genuine Yamaha Accessories will be introduced at the dynamic Press launch in June.

Colours

• Matt Red
• Matt Grey
• Race Blu

Availability

July onwards

Technical Specifications

For full technical specifications of all models in the range, please go to: www.yamaha-motor.eu

New GOLF SV ready to order.

From 7th May, UK customers were able to start placing their orders for the new Volkswagen Golf SV, which packs in all the advanced technology of the award-winning Golf hatchback range, but in a larger, even more practical body.  Prices start at £18,875 (OTR RRP) and first UK deliveries are expected on 22 July.

The Golf SV is the third variant of the seventh-generation Golf, alongside the hatchback and the Estate, and has a look that clearly follows the design of its siblings, with strong elements of Volkswagen’s design ‘DNA’.  At 4,338 mm long, the new SV is 134 mm longer than the Golf Plus that it replaces, and 83 mm longer than the Golf.  It is 224 mm shorter than the Golf Estate.  Its 2,685 mm wheelbase is 48 mm longer than that of the Golf, helping to generate more interior space, while the SV is also 81 mm wider, at 1,807 mm, and 126 mm higher, at 1,578 mm (excluding roof rails).

That greater interior space provides for greater flexibility.  The rear seats (a 40:20:40 split bench) can slide forwards and backwards by up to 180 mm, to increase either passenger or luggage space as required.

Compared with the boot of its predecessor, capacity is increased by 76 litres to 500 litres with the back seats at their rear-most position (versus the Golf’s 380 litres and the Estate’s 605 litres).  Moving the rear seats forwards increases the luggage capacity to 590 litres, while folding the rear seats liberates up to 1,520 litres of room.  The front passenger seat can also optionally fold fully forward, creating a load space which is up to 2,484 mm long.

Like the Golf, the Golf SV comes with a raft of standard and optional passive and active safety systems.  These include a standard automatic post-collision braking system which automatically brakes the vehicle after a collision to reduce kinetic energy significantly and thus minimise the chance of a second impact, and a PreCrash system which, on detecting the possibility of an accident, pre-tensions seatbelts and closes the windows and sunroof, leaving just a small gap, to ensure the best possible protection from the airbags.

Other electronic aids include Adaptive Cruise Control, Front Assist and City Emergency Braking, all of which are standard from SE specification and above, and which can reduce or eliminate the chance of accidents occurring.  Also available are a Driver Alert System, a camera-operated Lane Assist system and a Dynamic Light Assist system.

A first for the Golf SV is a blind spot monitor, dubbed Side Scan, with an assistant for exiting parking spaces.  This monitors the area behind and to the sides of the vehicle, ensuring easier and safer egress when reversing from a parking bay.  It will be packaged as an option together with Lane Assist.

Powering the SV is a range of petrol and diesel engines, all of which incorporate Stop/Start and battery regeneration systems.  There are two turbocharged 1.2-litre petrol engines with 85 and 110 PS; two 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engines with 125 and 150 PS; and three turbodiesels: a 2.0-litre 150 PS, a 1.6-litre 90 PS and a 1.6-litre 110 PS.  When fitted in the Golf SV BlueMotion, this last engine is expected to return fuel economy of 76.3 mpg and emit 95 g/km of CO₂.  All engines apart from the 1.2-litre TSI 85 PS can be ordered with a DSG gearbox.

Trim levels for the Golf SV mirror those of the hatchback, progressing from S through SE to GT.  A BlueMotion model based on the S specification is also available. 

All models include Bluetooth; DAB digital radio, SD card reader and CD player with 5.8-inch colour touchscreen; iPod connector; a front centre armrest; dual rear ISOFIX fittings; seven airbags including one for the driver’s knees; XDS electronic differential; an automatic post-collision braking system; and air conditioning.  Roof rails are also standard: black-coloured on the S and SE, and silver on the GT.

Among other items, SE models add ACC adaptive cruise control with Front Assist and City Emergency Braking; 16-inch alloy wheels; body-coloured door handles and door mirrors; rear map-reading lights; an additional 12 Volt socket and air vents in the rear of the front centre armrest; drawers under the front seats; tables on the rear of the front-seat backrests; a leather-trimmed gearlever and three-spoke multifunction steering wheel; automatic lights and wipers; a Driver Alert System; driver profile selection, and the Pre-Crash preventive occupant protection system. 

The range-topping GT trim adds 17-inch alloy wheels; sports suspension; 65 per cent tinted rear windows; Discover satellite navigation system; electrically folding door mirrors; front and rear parking sensors; Alcantara and cloth upholstery and ambient interior lighting, among other items. 

All Golf SVs sold in the UK (except BlueMotion) will come with a standard space-saver spare tyre.

The Golf SV is available to order now, with first deliveries expected 22 July 2014.  For more details visitwww.volkswagen.co.uk.

Golf SV model line-up and pricing

Trim level	Engine derivative	CO2, g/km	Combined mpg	Price, £ RRP OTR
S
1.2-litre TSI 85 PS	5-spdman	114*	TBC	£18,875
1.2-litre TSI 110 PS	6-spdman	117	55.4	£19,885
1.2-litre TSI 110 PS	7-spdDSG	116	56.5	£21,300
1.4-litre TSI 125 PS	6-spdman	125	52.3	£20,645
1.4-litre TSI 125 PS	7-spdDSG	121	54.3	£22,060
1.6-litre TDI 90 PS	5-spdman	101*	72.4*	£20,695
1.6-litre TDI 110 PS	5-spdman	101*	72.4*	£21,650
1.6-litre TDI 110 PS	7-spdDSG	104	70.6	£23,065
BlueMotion
1.6-litre TDI 110 PS	6-spdman	95*	76.3*	£22,715
SE
1.4-litre TSI 125 PS	6-spdman	125	52.3	£21,580
1.4-litre TSI 125 PS	7-spdDSG	121	54.3	£22,995
1.6-litre TDI 110 PS	6-spdman	101	72.4	£22,585
1.6-litre TDI 110 PS	7-spdDSG	104	70.6	£24,000
2.0-litre TDI 150 PS	6-spdman	112	65.7	£23,950
2.0-litre TDI 150 PS	6-spdDSG	122	60.1	£25,365
GT
1.4-litre TSI 150 PS	6-spdman	130	50.4	£24,895
1.4-litre TSI 150 PS	7-spdDSG	126	51.4	£26,310
2.0-litre TDI 150 PS	6-spdman	115	64.2	£25,400
2.0-litre TDI 150 PS	6-spdDSG	125	58.9	£26,815

* Figures will be confirmed closer to the UK launch date.

Pothole damages claims rise by 750% due to failure to repair roads.

• Winter floods create surge in compensation claims to affected councils in Jan/Feb
• Somerset Council claims in Jan/Feb 2014 up 750% against Nov/Dec 2013
• New pothole signage could be installed on damaged stretches of road as a temporary warning system for road users
• Signage would only need prevent 2-3 incidents to cover costs versus £100s in garage bills and compensation payments

Councils in the areas worst hit by the winter storms are now facing a different kind of flood – a rising swell of automotive compensation claims – according to campaign website, Potholes.co.uk.

While homeowners seek compensation for damage to their houses, road users are also demanding remuneration for car axle, wheel and suspension faults caused by pothole-ridden stretches of saturated roads.

In one county – deluged Somerset – claims spiked at 204 in January / February from just 24 in November / December, a massive 750% increase in cases.

The same worrying trend has been spotted in some of the other regions worst hit by flooding at the start of this year. Surrey County Council reported a 353% increase and admitted that an “unprecedented number of claims” meant that there was still a backlog of claims waiting to go on to the system, meaning the statistics will only get worse.

In Dorset, one of the worst hit flood areas, the County Council saw claims for pothole damage increase from 85 in November/December to 193 in January/February – up 127%. In January the county experienced up to 290mm of rain in some areas – almost three times the average expected at that time of year.

Worcester floods hit record levels in February and claims to the County Council also rose 400% from 25 in November/December to 125 in January/February.

To draw attention to the ongoing problem with the crumbling roads, Potholes.co.uk has unveiled a new design for temporary signage that could be adopted to warn motorists and other road users about pothole-ridden stretches of road.

Pothole damage to cars in the UK creates an estimated annual repair bill of £730million and continues to increase each year, according to research by Potholes.co.uk and Warranty Direct.

As the UK emerges from some of the most destructive winter floods on record, hundreds of roads across the country have been left saturated and crumbling, accelerating existing deterioration and creating the perfect conditions for a pothole plague.

Warranty Direct managing director, David Gerrans, said: “With potholed stretches of road affecting many road users on a daily basis, there’s now real cause to create dedicated signage. Let’s give people a fighting chance of avoiding unnecessary garage bills or even personal injury.

“If road signs can warn of falling rocks from above then why not craters from below? The average bill for pothole damage now runs at £247, so a sign only needs stop a couple of incidents to justify the expenditure. The embarrassment will be for the Government in just how many signs need to be put up – there’s one pothole for every mile of road by some estimates.”

As a result of the heavy rainfall damaging roads, campaign website Potholes.co.uk had more than 1500 potholes reported across the UK in January and February alone, by motorists who had either damaged their vehicles or were trying to warn others of the hazards.

One site visitor reported hitting a submerged pothole whilst driving back from Elstead towards Puttenham. With rain water making the deep crater almost invisible, they drove through it cracking their alloy and bursting the tyre in the process.

Increasing numbers of visitors have also reported how they are warning other drivers by placing traffic cones in or next to the affected road surface. Potholes.co.uk is concerned that these good citizens are putting themselves at risk from passing traffic in the process.

One motorist in Hampshire damaged two tyres when they hit a pothole. They have since taken it upon themselves to mark the hazard with a traffic cone.

Even London Mayor Boris Johnson isn’t immune to the perils of potholes. In his Telegraph column (16/02/14), the cycling enthusiast admitted to being thrown from his handlebars and writing off his bike when he struck a road defect hidden by rainwater whilst riding up Whitehall in London.

Warranty Direct found that claims for axle and suspension damage, a common result of hitting potholes at speed, increased 22% between 2012 and 2013. Axle and suspension faults currently represent around 10.1% of all claims handled by the company – in 2010 this was just 4% – a 159% rise in cases.

While the average repair bill for pothole-induced axle or suspension damage is £247, Warranty Direct and Potholes.co.uk have identified recent claims as high as £2,700. The average cost for a council to repair a single pothole is only around £52^[1].

If your vehicle has been damaged as a result of a pothole, you may be entitled to compensation from your council. Visit www.potholes.co.uk/claims/how_to_claim for more information.