Potholes are a nightmare for drivers and cyclists alike. These road surface craters, caused by water, surface cracks, and heavy traffic, can worsen over time. If you've driven or cycled over a pothole and suffered injury or damage to your vehicle or bike, you may be entitled to claim compensation. The organisation you need to contact depends on the location and type of road where the pothole was found.
Who to Contact for a Pothole Compensation Claim
According to guidance on Gov.uk, you should get in touch with the relevant organisation to inform them of the damage and why you hold them responsible. Provide the precise location (road name and nearest marker post number or identifying feature), along with the date and time the damage happened.
England
Most A-roads and motorways are managed by National Highways. Verify if this applies and contact them for a claim. In London, check if the road is a red route. If so, contact Transport for London at 0343 222 1234 (open 8am to 8pm, daily). For all other English roads, contact the local council. Use the postcode where the damage occurred to find the responsible council. You can also report the pothole to warn other drivers.
Wales
Most A-roads and motorways (trunk roads) are overseen by Traffic Wales. Call 0300 123 1213 for compensation if they are responsible. For other Welsh roads, contact the relevant local council.
Scotland
Most trunk roads are managed by BEAR Scotland (north west and south east) or Amey (south west and north east). Contact the appropriate company. For other Scottish roads, contact the local council.
Northern Ireland
Apply online to the Department for Infrastructure for all road types.
Evidence Needed for a Claim
According to Money Saving Expert, a pothole typically needs to be at least 40mm deep (roughly the height of two 20p coins). If it wasn't that deep, you can still claim but it may be tougher. You must demonstrate the pothole caused the damage, for example, via written confirmation from a mechanic. Collect proof promptly to prove negligence.
- Photograph the pothole and measure its depth (never on a motorway).
- Take close-up shots and pictures showing its position on the road, plus nearby road signs to identify the exact location.
- Submit photographs of the damage to your vehicle.
By following these steps, you can strengthen your compensation claim for pothole damage.
