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

Team Leader- Investment Zone Planning

Kirklees Metropolitan Council
£51,356 - £53,460
You will work closely with Development Management colleagues. Kirklees, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Kirklees Metropolitan Council

Care Assistant

Wakefield Council
£7,024.05 - £7,135.94 (£13.47 - £13.69 per hour), Grade 4, 10 hours, Permanent
Are you caring, compassionate, and friendly? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Accountancy Officer - Management/Financial Accountant

Wakefield Council
Grade 6 - Grade 9
We are looking a Management / Financial Accountants to join our Financial Management Team. Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Assistant Gardener

Wakefield Council
£25,989.00 - £26,403.00, Grade 4
An opportunity exists in the Council’s Street Scene Services for an Assistant Gardener Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

School Crossing Patrol Officer - Vacancies across Essex

Essex County Council
Up to £13.00 per hour
School Crossing Patrol Officer - Vacancies across EssexPermanent, Term Time£13.00 per hour Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner