Rhondda Cynon Taf Council has seen a staggering rise in the number of claims lodged against it for damage caused by potholes in the last three years.
As Britain’s ‘pothole crisis’ hits record levels, an investigation by Accident Claims Advice has revealed the local authority spent more than £31K in compensation alone as the number of claims have risen by 163 per cent since 2022.
The findings come as the number of roads being left unrepaired by UK councils has now hit record levels.
Up to 82 per cent of the miles of local roads flagged as in need of maintenance were ignored by councils last year – the highest proportion since records began in 2009, according to the latest Department for Transport (DfT) data.
New data obtained by Accident Claims Advice (ACA) via Freedom of Information requests has found that the local authority has had 111 legal claims lodged against it regarding potholes in the last three years.
In that time, the Council has paid out a total of £31,416.59 settling a total 20 pothole damage claims.
ACA’s Public Liability specialist, Beverly Faulkner said: “Councils and local authorities have a duty of care to ensure the safety of people using public spaces, such as parks, highways and footpaths. A crucial part of this is making sure the land under their control is properly maintained. Failing to do this can put people at risk.
“The damage caused by potholes can be catastrophic leading to serious injury and/or costly vehicle damage. It is vital that roads are properly maintained. and councils are held responsible for the roads they maintain.”
Across Britain, pothole-plagued minor roads have fallen to their lowest level on record.
Steve Gooding, the director of the RAC Foundation, said: “The number of cars is increasing, traffic volume is increasing, the number of potholes is increasing, the only thing not increasing seems to be the amount of money being spent on maintaining our local roads, which everyone in the country relies on whether they drive or not.”
Recently, the Welsh Government announced that local authorities will soon be able to access up to £120m to repair more local roads over the next two years.
The Welsh Government’s Final Budget 2025-26 set out the new plans for the borrowing initiative which will provide an extra £10m of revenue funding to local councils to enable them to unlock an additional £120m of capital funding to accelerate the process of fixing roads and pavements.
It follows the UK’s Treasury announcement in the Budget in October last year, which promised that total local road maintenance funding in 2025/26 would be nearly £1.6bn, representing a £500m uplift compared with the previous 12 months.
Prime Minister, Kier Starmer said in December: “Broken roads can risk lives and cost families hundreds if not thousands of pounds on repairs. That’s a cost that can easily be avoided by investing properly in our roads.
“That’s why we’re giving councils funding to repair our roads and get Britain moving again – with a clear expectation that they get on with the job.”
Accident Claims Advice offers help, support and advice for anyone who has suffered injuries or damages to properties caused by potholes.
They operate a 24-hour helpline and live chat service which you can access on their website.
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