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

Functional Family Therapy Practitioner

Cheshire East Council
£43,149 - £49,658
Do you want to be part of an innovative service that delivers evidence-based interventions and helps families thrive? Macclesfield, Cheshire
Recuriter: Cheshire East Council

Director of Adult Social Care

Nottingham City Council
£101,636 - £112,285 per annum (SLMG1)
As a key member of the Directorate Leadership Team, you will provide visible and effective leadership Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Nottingham City Council

Director of Adults Service Development

Nottingham City Council
£101,636 - £112,285 per annum (SLMG 1)
This is a strategic improvement and assurance leadership role focused on driving the Adults Social Care improvement journey Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Nottingham City Council

Adult Social Care and Commissioning Director Roles

Nottingham City Council
£101,636 - £112,285 per annum (SLMG 1)
This is an exciting time to join Nottingham City Council and help shape the future of Adult Social Care for the city.  Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Nottingham City Council

Director of Education

Nottingham City Council
£109,702 - £113,977 (Soulbury Grade 47 – 50)
We are now seeking visionary senior leaders to help shape the next phase of Nottingham's improvement journey. Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, Hybrid
Recuriter: Nottingham City Council
Linkedin Banner