Fleets have been warned that they are likely to have to replace more windscreens this year due to a surge in the number of potholes on the country¹s roads.

There is now one pothole on every 120 yards of road ­ a rise of nearly a third in one year ­ according to the Asphalt Industry Alliance.

This will have an impact on windscreens, fleets were warned.

"The potholes mean that the amount of windscreen replacements will rise," said Nigel Doggett, managing director of Autoglass.

"Driving over a pothole causes vibration in the windscreen which can turn a chip into a crack, leading to a windscreen needing to be replaced.

"We encourage fleet operators to have windscreens checked regularly and to repair any chips before they have the chance to turn into a crack."

Doggett says it is more cost-effective to repair rather than replace, with a repair costing £63 on average, while a replacement would be around £384.

"Those prices are more likely to go up than down this year," Doggett continued.

"That¹s due to the weakening of the pound, the cost of oil ­ as glass is an oil-based product ­ and windscreens getting larger."

To reduce the likelihood of needing to replace screens, fleets need to repair damage as soon as possible.

Figures from Autoglass show that between 20 and 25% of fleet vehicles have glass damage at any one time.

There are already signs that fleet operators are becoming aware of the benefits, with Doggett saying that the repair rate has doubled over the past five years.

To help fleet operators Autoglass has launched a new website ­ ­which is dedicated to fleets.

Fleet operators can use the website to book a free fleet inspection or find their nearest service centre.