In Stoke-on-Trent, almost 1,000 drivers have successfully claimed compensation for pothole-related damage, with one individual receiving nearly £46,000 in compensation.
Between 2020 and 2024, a total of 1,308 claims were filed with Stoke-on-Trent City Council regarding vehicle damage caused by potholes, out of which 978 were approved, resulting in £371,914 in compensation payments.
Responding to the figures obtained through a Freedom of Information request, the council assured residents that efforts will be made over the coming years to address the deterioration of the city's roads.
The number of successful claims for pothole damage more than doubled from 171 in 2022/23 to 403 in 2023/24. However, despite the increase in claims, the total compensation paid out decreased from £77,892 to £41,524.
The largest compensation award during the period amounted to £45,915, granted to a single motorist in 2021/22.
A spokesperson for the council emphasized their commitment to improving the condition of Stoke-on-Trent's roads, acknowledging the concerns raised regarding the rise in pothole-related claims and the overall road network's condition. They highlighted ongoing plans aligned with recent government initiatives aimed at enhancing road infrastructure across the city. Photo by Editor5807, Wikimedia commons.