BCP Council faces a surge in pothole damage claims, with costs rising and more drivers seeking compensation for vehicle repairs
Out of those, 42 claims were actually upheld, leading to over £10,000 in compensation for drivers. That’s quite a jump from the previous worst year in 2020, where they paid out just £7,250.
Andy Hadley, who’s in charge of roads at BCP Council, mentioned that repair costs are climbing, which is part of the problem. The AA also chimed in, saying that fixing vehicles damaged by poor road conditions cost a whopping £579 million in the UK last year.
In Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole, pothole reports skyrocketed to 5,649 in the last financial year, up from 3,996 the year before. So far this year, BCP Council has already paid out £699 for three claims, and the year isn’t even over yet!
Hadley reassured residents that the council is on it, investing £4.5 million to keep roads in good shape. They’ve been busy repairing potholes and improving road signs, tackling over 8,700 locations.
He also mentioned that they’re prioritizing repairs based on urgency, so they’re not just sitting on their hands. Residents can even report potholes online, making it easier for everyone to get involved.
However, a report from the House of Commons pointed out that the Department for Transport hasn’t really taken responsibility for the state of the roads. It’s estimated that fixing all the pothole-ridden roads in England and Wales could cost around £16.3 billion. That’s a hefty price tag!
