Can I claim from the Highways Agency for pothole damage to my car?

The lane we have to drive on every day is full of potholes and, despite several complaints to Highways, nothing has been done. We now have broken a road spring due to the condition of the road. Do Highways have any legal responsibility for the condition of the road and could I get any financial payment from them for the damage?

Asked on 2 February 2013 by BI, Bradworthy Cross, N. Devon

Answered by Honest John

If you have reported the potholes and have records of this then the council is automatically guilty of malfeasance for not repairing them and is liable for the damage. Many councils now have a means of reporting potholes on their websites. But the best way is to use www.fixmystreet.co.uk or www.potholes.co.uk who will then forward your report to the relevant council and hold your report as a matter of public record. I have found that gets potholes filled within days.

Tags: damage repairs potholes claims highways agency

Similar questions

Is it possible to claim from local authorities for pothole damage to cars?

A few weeks ago your column contained an item concerning procedures to be adopted when pursuing the Local Authorities in respect of damage to motor vehicles by potholes where, as in my case, the County...

How can I claim for damage caused by a pothole?

Having suffered a burst tyre after hitting a pothole while driving on a wet road in the dark, what procedures should I follow in order to make a claim against the council concerned? I have sympathy for...

Can my daughter claim from the local Highways Dept for a new tyre after hitting a pothole?

My daughter hit a pothole in a local lane. The hole was nearly 6 feet long, 12 inches wide and 6 inches deep. She had to have a new tyre and the tracking realigned at a total cost of £140. I contacted...