Compensation claims made to councils in Britain related to pothole damage increased by 90 percent between 2021 and 2024, according to an analysis released by the RAC motoring group. The study, which examined data from 177 local authorities, revealed that while claims surged overall, the number actually fell in 2024 compared to 2023.

The RAC's analysis indicated that 53,015 compensation claims were submitted in 2024, a significant rise from the 27,731 claims made in 2021. However, this figure represents a decrease from the 56,655 claims recorded in 2023. The study also highlighted that only about a quarter of claims made in 2024 resulted in payouts, with the average compensation amounting to 390 pounds.

Potholes have become a growing concern for drivers, leading to costly repair bills and potential injuries for passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians. The increase in claims reflects the deteriorating condition of roads across Britain.

The Local Government Association (LGA) attributed the rise in pothole-related issues to "ever-increasing pressure" on council budgets, which limits their ability to maintain and repair road surfaces effectively. The LGA emphasized that insufficient funding hinders proactive road maintenance, leading to more potholes and subsequent compensation claims.

In response to the escalating problem, the Department for Transport stated that the government is allocating 7.3 billion pounds over the next four years to improve road surfaces nationwide. This investment aims to address the backlog of repairs and prevent further deterioration of the road network.

The RAC estimates that a typical pothole repair can be a substantial financial burden for motorists. The increasing number of claims underscores the need for sustained investment in road maintenance to ensure safer driving conditions and reduce the financial impact on drivers.