Pothole Compensation Claims Double in a Year According to Recent Analysis
A recent analysis has revealed a significant increase in pothole compensation claims made to councils in Britain. RAC research found that there were 20,432 claims submitted to 18 local authorities with the largest road networks in 2023, compared to 8,327 claims in 2022. The study highlighted a substantial rise in claims, with Surrey County Council experiencing the most significant increase from 734 to 3,418 claims.
Just 15% of the claims made last year resulted in payouts, with the average compensation amounting to £260. This figure is significantly lower than the estimated cost of £460 for repairing pothole damage beyond a puncture. Data from the analysis also showed that 13 councils collectively spent over £166,000 in legal fees to defend against pothole claims.
RAC’s head of policy, Simon Williams, emphasized the financial strain that poor road conditions pose to both local authorities and drivers. He highlighted the disparity between the costs of defending claims and reimbursing drivers for damages caused by potholes. Williams encouraged drivers to report potholes through platforms like the RAC website or the free Stan app to improve road maintenance.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves recently announced increased funding for local road maintenance in England, aimed at fixing an additional one million potholes in the 2024/25 financial year. The RAC stressed the importance of using this funding for preventative maintenance, such as surface dressing roads regularly, to prevent further deterioration.
Adam Hug, transport spokesman for the Local Government Association, highlighted the challenges councils face in maintaining road infrastructure amid a £16.3 billion backlog of repairs. He emphasized the need for long-term funding to invest in preventative treatments and address the growing issue of potholes.
A Department for Transport spokesperson acknowledged the longstanding issue of potholes in the UK and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to investing £500 million for road maintenance in 2025/26. The aim is to support local authorities in maintaining roads efficiently to prevent the prevalence of potholes.
The continuous rise in pothole compensation claims underscores the pressing need for proactive measures to address road maintenance issues effectively. By prioritizing preventative maintenance and timely repairs, local authorities can mitigate the financial burden of compensation claims and ensure safer road conditions for all users.
As the government allocates additional funding towards road maintenance, it is vital that councils utilise these resources efficiently to tackle the underlying causes of road deterioration. By investing in sustainable solutions and proactive maintenance strategies, authorities can work towards creating safer and more resilient road networks for communities across the country.