Pothole payouts shrink in North Yorkshire

The number of compensation claims paid for potholes in the county has shrunk considerably over the last two years.

North Yorkshire County Council revealed it had paid nine claims worth £5,431 in 2018/19 and just one worth £55 in 2019/20.

By contrast, it paid 36 claims worth £16,435 in 2017/18, 10 claims worth £1,720 in 2016/17 and 27 claims worth £21,876 in 2015/16. The statistics were revealed after the Stray Ferret submitted a Freedom of Information request.

Road users did not know why the number of claims has decreased.

Kevin Douglas, chairman of Harrogate District Cycle Action, said roads were in a poor condition, which had caused damage and accidents.

He added:

“A number of cyclists have made claims and been unsuccessful and have given up. Perhaps people think there is no point.”

A spokesman for the Alliance of British Drivers, which campaigns on behalf of drivers, acknowledged potholes were a greater problem for cyclists than motorists but added:

“Councils should do something about potholes because they are a danger.”

A North Yorkshire County Council spokeswoman said it hadn’t changed its approach to contesting pothole claims, and said there were still 60 ongoing cases for 2019/20.

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