Gloucestershire tops the list for the highest proportion of pothole damage claims refused. RAC research found 20,432 claims were submitted to 18 local authorities with the largest road networks in 2023, compared with 8,327 in 2022. The highest proportion of refusals among the local authorities included in the analysis was 98 per cent by Gloucestershire County Council.
, a resident whose car was damaged by a pothole in the Cotswolds, said he is not surprised by RAC’s findings. He spent a year pursuing a claim for pothole damage despite the council’s own records showing they were aware of the pothole but had failed to repair it. The council spent more than £2,000 on legal fees in an effort to avoid paying Mr Broadbent’s £189 claim, he said.
"The RAC's findings come as no surprise, both in the soaring rate of claims that reflect the county's deteriorating roads, and the council's stubborn refusal to accept their fair share of liability,” Mr Broadbent said. "I spent a year pursuing a claim for pothole damage, despite the council's own records clearly showing they were aware of the pothole, but had failed to repair it. After spending well over £2,000 of taxpayer's money on their legal fees in an effort to avoid paying my £189 claim, they finally gave up and settled my damages and court costs.
" County Councillor Lisa Spivey (LD, South Cerney) also raised concerns over how the council deals with pothole damage claims. She referenced Mr Broadbent's case and questioned whe.
