William Eichler 06 February 2024

Council sued after cyclist hits pothole

Council sued after cyclist hits pothole image
Image: Gulpa / Shutterstock.com.

Staffordshire County Council is facing legal action after the triathlete Paul Hughes hit a pothole while cycling breaking multiple bones and damaging a lung.

Mr Hughes, 57, broke his ribs, pelvis, and collarbone, fractured his spine, and damaged a lung when he was thrown from his bike in October 2022.

He is now seeking compensation and has criticised the council for failing to fix the pothole over a year later.

Mr Hughes told the MailOnline: 'I know people who have died because of pothole crashes, and I think people need to be made aware of it and I think that's a good thing.

'I understand the Council haven't got a bottomless pit for doing stuff, but I think they could do a lot more.'

Staffordshire County Council cabinet Member for Highways and Transport David Williams said he was sorry to hear about the accident.

He added: ‘The recent very wet weather has seen a rise in new pothole reports, and our crews will be carrying out numerous temporary and permanent repairs to the roads. All reported issues are inspected as soon as possible and assessed for their severity, and we deal with any defect that poses an immediate risk as a priority.’

Check out: Potholes: the drivers’ biggest pain.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Director of Technology and Customer Experience

Oxfordshire County Council
£125,350 - £135,928
Lead transformation through local government reorganisation. This is a pivotal opportunity for an exceptional, director level leader who thrives on turning complex change into better outcomes for people. If you’re ambitious to get Oxfordshire County Oxford
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Caseworker - Essex Legal Services

Essex County Council
£25081.00 - £27653.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
Caseworker - Essex Legal ServicesPermanent, Full Time£25,081 to £27,653 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Catering Assistant

North Yorkshire Council
£12.65 per hour
Full uniform will be provided including safety footwear. Bedale, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

LGV Driver

North Yorkshire Council
£34,094 - £37,225 per annum
Would you like a rewarding role that allows you to work outside in some of the most scenic places in the country? Harrogate, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Facilities Assistant

Essex County Council
Up to £25081.00 per annum
Facilities AssistantFixed Term, Full Time£25,081 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner