Pothole compensation claims across Britain have surged by an astonishing 90% over the past three years, according to recent analysis by the RAC. In 2024, a total of 53,015 claims were lodged with 177 local authorities, a significant increase from 27,731 claims in 2021. This sharp rise highlights growing frustration among drivers dealing with deteriorating road conditions.
The data reveals that Derbyshire County Council has seen the most dramatic increase in claims, jumping from 224 to 3,307 over the three-year period. Glasgow City Council followed closely, witnessing its claims more than double from 1,140 to 2,794. Meanwhile, Oxfordshire County Council reported an increase from 488 claims in 2021 to 1,941 in 2024.
Despite the increase in claims, the RAC noted a 6% decline from the 56,655 claims submitted in 2023. The findings indicate that only 26% of claims resulted in compensation, with the average payout being £390. In contrast, the average repair cost for family cars suffering damage due to potholes exceeds £590. Common issues related to potholes include damaged shock absorbers, fractured suspension springs, and warped wheels.
A concerning trend is evident as local authorities in Gloucestershire, Worcestershire, Medway, Carmarthenshire, and Telford rejected 99% of claims received last year, reflecting a wider issue of inadequate road maintenance. The RAC obtained responses from 177 out of 207 councils across Britain through Freedom of Information requests.
Simon Williams, head of policy at the RAC, expressed concern over the findings. He stated, “The massive three-year rise in pothole compensation claims made by drivers shows what a huge task it is to return the roads to a respectable standard. But it’s far from an even picture across the country, with just a handful of councils receiving the lion’s share of claims from beleaguered motorists.” He emphasized the ongoing struggles drivers face due to years of neglect in local road networks.
In response to the growing crisis, the Department for Transport announced a significant investment of £7.3 billion over the next four years aimed at helping councils resurface roads and tackle the pothole issue. A spokesperson remarked, “This will turn the tide on years of underinvestment in our road network, allowing local authorities to move away from expensive, short-term repairs and invest in proactive maintenance to prevent potholes from forming in the first place.”
The Local Government Association acknowledged the challenges councils face in maintaining roads, highlighting that increasing budget pressures have affected their ability to address these issues. “New funding for roads will help turn the tide on the gradual decline of local roads, but this will take time to shift from simply filling potholes reactively towards a more proactive, sustainable approach,” the spokesperson added.
In a positive development, Derbyshire County Council reported a 72% drop in compensation claims since May 2025, while Glasgow City Council noted a “substantial reduction” in claims compared to the previous year. Oxfordshire County Council has committed nearly £14.5 million to its largest surface dressing programme in over two decades, a preventative measure aimed at stopping potholes before they develop.
Medway Council explained its approach to rejecting claims, stating it occurs when “it is considered that a court would not award compensation.” As councils and authorities grapple with the realities of road maintenance in Britain, the push for both immediate and long-term solutions remains critical for the safety and satisfaction of drivers across the country.
