It attributed the increase to colder-than-average weather in early 2025 accelerating pothole formation. Vehicles suffered broken shock absorbers and suspension springs and bent wheels – damage valued at around £600 per vehicle.
In December last year, the government announced highways authorities across England would receive £1.6 billion in funding for filling potholes and repairing roads. A quarter of the funding councils receive will be dependent on them publishing annual reports detailing how many potholes they have identified and repaired.
Transport secretary Heidi Alexander said: “The public deserves to know how their councils are improving their local roads, which is why they will have to show progress or risk losing funding.”
According to Department for Transport figures, West Northamptonshire has the worst road surfaces in the UK, with around 83% of roads needing improvement. Derbyshire ranks second with the worst A-roads and motorways.
It looks like Thornbury and his wheelbarrow are going to be kept busy.
How to claim for pothole damage and appeal a decision
How to claim
– If it’s safe to do so, take photographs and measurements of the pothole and, if possible, gather witness statements. Obtain an invoice for the repair to your vehicle. Check the FixMyStreet app to see if the pothole has already been reported.
– Report the incident to the relevant council. However, the council can’t be held liable for a defect it wasn’t aware of, either because it hasn’t been reported or it hasn’t been picked up by its own inspection and maintenance teams. This is a popular defence.
– If it thinks you have a case, the council will send you a report form to complete. Include the supporting material you have gathered.
How to appeal
– Around three-quarters of claims for pothole damage to vehicles are rejected by councils each year. Not every council has a formal appeals process, but you can still ask any to review its decision.
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