Can I claim for pothole damage to my Mondeo even though the hole has since been filled?

I drive a Ford Mondeo petrol estate. I recently hit a deep pothole in the road, causing the suspension spring on my front passenger side to break which has cost me over £200 to replace, including parts and labour. I intend to claim that amount back from the council, not as compensation but as costs. I returned to the pothole to take a photograph a few days later as I didn’t want to drive the car until repaired, only to find the hole has been filled in and mended. I still intend to take a photo, which should at least prove they knew of it and it was bad enough to repair. Do you think this will affect any claim and do you have any advice as to procedure?

Asked on 1 June 2013 by SJ, via email

Answered by Honest John
I'm sorry, I doubt that your claim will succeed. The fact that the hole was filled shows that the council acted as promptly as it 'reasonably' could to repair the road, and that is all it is duty bound to do. It cannot be held responsible for potholes that open up virtually overnight.
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