The RAC has launched a scathing attack on the Department for Transport, accusing it of effectively 'robbing motorists to pay for potholes' as shocking new figures reveal a dramatic collapse in compensation payouts.
Official data shows councils across England paid just £5.9 million in pothole compensation claims in 2023 – less than half the £12.1 million paid out the previous year. This staggering drop comes despite overwhelming evidence that Britain's road network is in a worsening state of disrepair.
A Crisis Hidden in the Numbers
The RAC suggests the declining payout figures don't tell the true story of Britain's pothole epidemic. Instead, they indicate that frustrated motorists are simply giving up on claiming for vehicle damage due to the overwhelming difficulty of navigating complex council claims processes.
'These figures are utterly perverse,' stated RAC head of policy Simon Williams. 'We have a roads crisis that's visibly getting worse, yet compensation payments have mysteriously halved. The only logical conclusion is that drivers are being discouraged from claiming, effectively saving councils money that should be going towards proper repairs.'
The True Cost to Motorists
The impact on everyday drivers has been severe. The AA reported handling its highest number of pothole-related incidents in five years during the first quarter of 2024, with an estimated 100,000 vehicles suffering damage.
Common problems reported by motorists include:
- Damaged shock absorbers and suspension components
- Bent or broken wheel rims
- Punctured tyres and damaged sidewalls
- Misaligned steering systems
Average repair bills frequently run into hundreds of pounds, creating a significant financial burden for affected drivers.
Government Response and Industry Criticism
The Department for Transport defended its record, highlighting an £8.3 billion allocation of redirected HS2 funding for local road maintenance. A DfT spokesperson stated: 'We're committed to supporting all road users with the massive funding increase we've provided.'
However, the Asphalt Industry Alliance contradicted this optimistic assessment. Their recent ALARM survey painted a far grimmer picture, estimating that local authorities in England and Wales would need £16.3 billion and 11 years to complete a full backlog of road repairs.
With nearly 50,000 miles of roads reported to be in poor condition, the gap between government rhetoric and on-the-ground reality appears to be widening dramatically.
