The number of pothole compensation claims to councils has more than doubled in a year, new data has revealed.
According to the RAC, 20,432 claims were made to 18 of the local authorities with the longest road networks in 2023, a surge from 8,327 in 2022.
But the motoring organisation found that 17 councils paid out just 15% of these claims last year, with five councils refusing more than 90% of claims.
Councils were asked how many claims they refused because they were not aware of the existence of the potholes, and the nine authorities that responded said 74% of claims were refused on this basis.
Thirteen councils also reported that they paid more than £166,000 in legal fees to defend pothole claims from drivers.
RAC head of policy Simon Williams said the findings were a ‘stark reminder’ that the condition of local roads was ‘burning holes’ in councils’ finances.
He welcomed the extra £500m allocated to local roads maintenance from next year, but added: ‘It’s vital that this money is used by councils not to merely fill potholes, but to carry out preventative maintenance – through surface dressing roads at regular intervals to stop roads falling apart in the first place.’
