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

Enforcement Officers - National Trading Standards eCrime Team

North Yorkshire Council
£27,254 - £42,839
Do you want to join a nationally recognised team Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Senior Support Worker - Supported Accommodation

Gloucestershire County Council
£37,280 - £40,777 per annum
Are you an experienced and committed practitioner ready to support young people and care leavers on their journey to independence? Gloucestershire
Recuriter: Gloucestershire County Council

Windsor Library Adviser

The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead
£25,706 - £27,306 per annum
We have a great opportunity for a part-time Library Advisor to join us! Windsor, Berkshire
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead

Parks and Cemeteries Administration Officer

The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead
£30,193 - £34,104 per annum
We have an exciting opportunity for a Parks and Cemeteries Administration Officer to join us! Maidenhead, Berkshire
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead

Housing Application Development and Support Officer

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
43545 - 55992 per annum
Job Title
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
Linkedin Banner