This accounts for one request to fix a pothole every 45 seconds on average according to the Federation of Small Businesses, and marks an increase on the figure of 617,000 complaints reported in 2017/18.

The data was collected following Freedom of Information requests to English local authorities. Four councils did not respond and not every authority answered every question posed to it.

“Potholes are a major concern for the nation’s small businesses,” said the Federation’s national chairman Mike Cherry. “Poorly looked after roads peppered with holes and cracks not only hamper their ability to do business, but lead to damaged vehicles, which are often vital assets to small firms working without large capital reserves.”

The data also indicates that although only 24% of claims for vehicle damage due to poor quality roads were successful, last year more than £1.9M was paid out in compensation to claimants.

Mike Cherry added: “Measures like more funding for local authorities and improving the coordination between authorities and utility companies will go some way in helping ease the burden of this ever growing issue.”

The Federation also urged Government to ensure there is a simple system in place for both reporting potholes locally, as well as for submitting claims for damage to vehicles.

Road Surface Treatments Association chief executive Mike Harper said the figures underline the need for a new funding approach. “What is needed from national Government is proper assured funding that enables planned five year maintenance programmes,” he said.

“Similarly, this funding should be ring fenced so that it is not diverted to fund other council services.” He added that local authorities should be ready to embrace collaboration with one another to exchange best practice and achieve potential cost efficiencies.

The Local Government Association’s transport spokesman Judith Blake said: “Councils are on the side of the motorist, and are doing all they can to keep our roads safe and resilient.

“While the extra one off funding announced in recent years has helped, the upcoming Spending Review is an opportunity to provide councils with the funding they need to invest in our local roads,” she added.

A Department for Transport spokesman said: “We know potholes are a nuisance and a hazard for all road users, which is why we are providing councils with more than £6.6Bn between 2015 and 2020 to keep their roads in the best condition.

“We agree that councils and utility companies should better coordinate their works, which is why we are investing more than £10M in Street Manager – a new digital service that will help them collaborate on planning roadworks.

“We are also investing in trials on new road materials and repair techniques as well as using technologies to help councils predict when roads will need repairs and prevent potholes.”

(Photograph: Asphalt Industry Alliance)