Road-users could claim accident compensation from their local council if they injure themselves as a result of potholes on roads.
The AA has highlighted that potholes have led to a number of accidents and deaths on the road. Paul Watters, a spokesman for the AA, told the BBC that potholes can be especially dangerous for cyclists, with a risk of them being thrown over the handlebars and breaking both wrists or worse.
In cases where motorists or cyclists are injured because of potholes in the road, the local authority could be held liable for any accident compensation claims. Road maintenance costs have been rising for councils – in some areas the 2010 accident compensation bill for incidents related to potholes was over ten times higher than the 2008/9 figure, following severe ice and snow.
One local authority, for example, is reported to have paid out £40,000 in compensation last year due to potholes, up from £3,000 in 2008/9. The Government has confirmed that an extra £100 million in funding will be allocated to councils to maintain and repair roads. Phillip Hammond, the transport secretary, said this would make roads smoother and safer for road-users.