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

Private Housing Standards Officer

North Yorkshire Council
£34,433 - £38,220 pro rata per annum
We are looking for a Private Housing Standards Officer, who will protect the health, safety and wellbeing of our residents Scarborough, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Private Housing Standards Officer

North Yorkshire Council
£34,433 - £38,220 pro rata per annum
We are looking for a Private Housing Standards Officer, who will protect the health, safety and wellbeing of our residents Harrogate, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Occupational Therapy Support Officer (Childrens Housing)

Oxfordshire County Council
31537 - 34434
The postholder would deal with initial enquires and offer advice to families and other referrers, signposting to other services and sending out advice sheets. They would complete initial telephone assessments and record information to allow understanding Oxfordshire
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Project Officer Apprentice (Culture and Leisure)

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
Salary first year 80% of LLW (London living wage),
Project Officer Apprentice (Culture and... Wandsworth Town and Twickenham Council Officers
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

OSCP Project Officer

Oxfordshire County Council
£46142 - £49282
We are looking for a skilled and motivated Project Officer to lead and deliver multi agency improvement projects across the safeguarding system in Oxfordshire. This is a specialist change and transformation role, ideal for someone who enjoys collaborative Oxford
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council
Linkedin Banner