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

Chief Executive

National Association of Local Councils
£competitive
We are looking for an exceptional senior leader with a strong record of leading change London (Greater)
Recuriter: National Association of Local Councils

Visitor Experience and Events Assistant

North Yorkshire Council
£13.28 - £13.92 per hour
We are looking for friendly front of house staff able to work flexibly including evenings and weekends Skipton, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Supervising Social Worker, Mid Essex Fostering Team

Essex County Council
£38487.00 - £51834.00 per annum
Supervising Social Worker, Mid Essex Fostering TeamFixed Term/ Secondment up to 2 years, Full Time £38,487 to £51,834 Per Annum Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Kitchen Porter

North Yorkshire Council
£13.28 per hour
We are now looking for new members of our F&B team working under our Head Chef. Scarborough, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Joiner

North Yorkshire Council
£30,023 to £39,481 per annum
As a Joiner within our Housing Standards Construction team, your core responsibility will be to carry out major improvements, adaptations. Harrogate, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council
Linkedin Banner