UK Councils Reject 75% of Pothole Damage Claims Despite 146,000 Filings in 5 Years
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · May 14
UK Councils Reject 75% of Pothole Damage Claims Despite 146,000 Filings in 5 Years
3 articles · Updated · BBC.com · May 14
146,000 pothole-damage claims were filed with councils across Britain over five years, but authorities paid out on just 24% on average, according to a BBC investigation.
£13.5 million has been paid in total, with councils often rejecting claims by arguing they followed inspection and repair policies under the Highways Act and were not on notice about the defect.
Solicitors say claims are harder to win when drivers report potholes through third-party apps that some councils do not accept; successful cases need photos, measurements and evidence the authority knew or should have known.
More than 1 million potholes are estimated across the UK, while the Asphalt Industry Alliance put the backlog cost for local roads in England and Wales at £18.6 billion.
The Department for Transport said it is providing a record £7.3 billion for pothole repairs, as road damage becomes a voter issue and mechanics report rising suspension, tyre and spring failures.
With record funding, why is the UK's £18.6 billion pothole repair bill still growing?
As councils reject 75% of claims, can new AI technology finally solve Britain's pothole crisis?