NEWLY published data shows that Monmouthshire County Council has paid out more than £25,000 in compensation to residents whose vehicles were damaged by potholes since 2022, as concerns continue to grow over worsening road conditions across the county.
Figures obtained by Accident Claims Advice reveal that 234 pothole-related claims were submitted to the council over a three-year period.
The volume of complaints peaked in 2023/24, when 101 claims were lodged. This year also accounted for the largest compensation payout, totalling £11,439.94.
Potholes remain one of the most widespread issues affecting UK road users. With more than one million defects estimated nationwide, councils are under mounting pressure to carry out repairs. To support local authorities, the Government has allocated £1.6 billion for road maintenance until the end of 2026.
JF Law solicitor Patrick Mallon warned that many motorists underestimate the severity of the problem.
Patrick added: “Across the country, we’re seeing a marked increase in pothole-related damage, especially during cold and wet spells when road deterioration accelerates.
“Even a minor defect can lead to costly repairs, from damaged tyres and wheels to serious suspension issues. For cyclists and motorcyclists, a pothole can pose a much greater threat, potentially causing serious or even life-changing injuries.”
Potholes typically form when water seeps into cracks in the road surface. As temperatures rise and fall, the water freezes and expands, then thaws and contracts, gradually weakening the asphalt. Poor drainage, older road surfacing, and previous utility works can accelerate this process.
The consequences are not limited to mechanical issues. National statistics show that around 15 people each month are killed or suffer life-changing injuries in collisions linked to road surface defects.
Vehicle damage is also becoming increasingly costly. According to The Daily Mail, pothole-related repair bills across the UK reached a record £579 million in 2024.
Wider national data highlights the scale of the issue. The RAC Pothole Index estimates that council-managed roads in England and Wales contain roughly six potholes per mile.
Between October 2024 and September 2025, the RAC responded to 25,758 pothole-related breakdowns, an 11% rise on the previous 12 months. This equates to an average of 71 incidents every day, up from 68 per day the previous year.
Speaking to Personal Injury Claims UK, Patrick Mallon said: “Local councils are legally responsible for maintaining safe roads under the Highways Act 1980, which means they must inspect and repair road surfaces within a reasonable time frame.
“When they fail to do so, and that neglect results in vehicle damage or injury, motorists are entitled to seek compensation.
“Many councils are working with limited resources, leading to delays in identifying and fixing these hazards, and that’s contributing to the steady rise in pothole-related incidents we’re now seeing nationwide.
“Submitting a claim not only helps recover your repair costs but also puts pressure on local authorities to address recurring problem areas more effectively.“
Accident Claims Advice offers support to those who may have suffered harm as a result of potholes and can see if they have grounds to submit a claim.
They operate a 24-hour helpline, along with an online claim form, which can be accessed on their website.
