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Analysis by the RAC motoring group reveals that the number of pothole compensation claims submitted to local councils across Britain surged by 90% between 2021 and 2024. Despite this significant increase in claims over the three-year span, only about a quarter of those claims in 2024 actually resulted in compensation payments to motorists. Interestingly, the data showed a slight decrease in the number of claims made in 2024 compared to the previous year.
Potholes continue to be a major frustration for drivers, often leading to expensive vehicle repairs. Besides costly damages, potholes also pose risks to passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians. The RAC’s analysis covered 53,015 claims made to 177 local authorities in 2024, up from 27,731 in 2021 but lower than the 56,655 claims recorded in 2023. Claims that were successful in 2024 averaged a payout of £390, while typical repair costs for pothole damage exceeding punctures are estimated at around £590. Vehicle components such as shock absorbers, suspension springs, and wheels are particularly vulnerable to pothole damage.
Simon Williams, head of policy at the RAC, highlighted the inconsistencies in how councils define potholes. He explained, “Often they have to be four centimetres deep and so many centimetres wide.” Williams stressed that hitting such potholes can cause significant jolts and serious damage not only to vehicles but also represent a “serious road safety danger, particularly on two wheels.” This variation in definitions likely contributes to the low percentage of claims that result in payouts.
A survey conducted by the RAC among 207 councils found that Derbyshire County Council experienced the largest rise in claims from 224 in 2021 to 3,307 in 2024. However, Derbyshire’s cabinet member for potholes, highways, and transport, Charlotte Hill, reported a 72% drop in claims since May 2025. Hill expressed optimism about a more proactive approach to road maintenance to prevent issues from developing. Glasgow City Council and Oxfordshire County Council also saw significant increases in claims, with Oxfordshire investing nearly £14.5 million since 2024 in surface dressing programs to prevent potholes, described as a cost-effective preservation technique. The Department for Transport reaffirmed government plans to invest £7.3 billion over four years to improve road surfaces nationwide, aiming to shift from short-term repairs to more sustainable maintenance. Meanwhile, the Local Government Association acknowledged that budget pressures have limited councils’ ability to maintain roads but anticipates new funding will eventually help move towards proactive infrastructure care
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