08-03-2025
Kirklees pothole damage claims up more than 220 per cent since 2021
Kirklees Borough Council has spent more than £5.2 million on pothole repairs in the last three years (2022-24), according to research by Accident Claims Advice that used Freedom of Information (FOI) requests.
The council has also seen a rise in the number of compensation claims lodged against it for damage caused by potholes in the last three years.
Accident Claims Advice's investigation indicated that claims against the council for pothole damage have increased by 220 per cent since 2021.
572 legal claims were lodged against it regarding potholes in the last three years, with the figure increasing from 92 claims in 2022 to 294 last year.
As well as the £5.2 million spent on pothole repairs in the period, the council paid out a further £13,000 in compensation claims, according to Accident Claims Advice.
According to Accident Claims Advice, Kirklees Council confirmed it has 479 potholes in need of repair.
Also according to Accident Claims Advice, in 2024, the council settled a record number of claims, paying out £7,966 in compensation for 28 pothole claims.
Accident Claims Advice's public liability specialist, Beverly Faulkner, said: "Councils and local authorities have a duty of care to ensure the safety of people using public spaces, such as parks, highways, and footpaths.
"A crucial part of this is making sure the land under their control is properly maintained.
"Failing to do this can put people at risk.
"The damage caused by potholes can be catastrophic, leading to serious injury and/or costly vehicle damage.
"It is vital that roads are properly maintained and councils are held responsible for the roads they maintain."
More information about Accident Claims Advice is available at
