NEW data has revealed that Warrington Borough Council has received more than 230 claims from residents reporting pothole-related damage since 2022, reflecting mounting concerns over the condition of the borough’s roads.
The road with the highest number of outstanding potholes was listed as Barnard Street, which leads to the town’s main recycling Gateworth Recycling Centre.
Data obtained by Personal Injury Claims UK reveals that the council handled 234 pothole claims over a three-year period, which coincides with the council including a claims form on their website.
The busiest year was 2023/24, when 102 claims were lodged. The highest compensation payout, however, was recorded in 2024/25, totalling £3,802.32.
Across the UK, potholes remain a major source of frustration for drivers. With an estimated 1 million potholes nationwide, the issue remains a leading cause of vehicle breakdowns. In response, the Government has allocated £1.6 billion towards road maintenance up to the end of 2026.
Solicitor at JF Law, Patrick Mallon, said: “Potholes have become a serious and growing problem across the UK, especially during wet and cold seasons when road surfaces deteriorate most rapidly.
“What may appear to be a small imperfection in the road can cause substantial and costly damage to vehicles. For cyclists and motorcyclists, the risks are even greater and a sudden impact with a pothole can lead to severe or life-changing injuries.”
Potholes form when water enters cracks in the road surface. As temperatures fluctuate, the water expands and contracts, weakening the asphalt. Poor drainage, ageing road materials and repeated utility works often accelerate this cycle of deterioration.
National figures highlight the severity of the problem. On average, 15 people each month are killed or sustain life-altering injuries in road crashes linked to poorly maintained surfaces.
The financial toll is equally alarming. According to The Daily Mail, pothole-related repair bills reached a record £579 million in 2024.
Although Warrington Borough Council has taken steps to repair road surfaces, its pothole repair spending has fallen slightly in recent years, from £378,294 in 2023/24 to £357,715 in 2024/25.
A national analysis from the RAC Pothole Index estimates that there are approximately 6 potholes per mile on council-run roads across England and Wales.
Between October 2024 and September 2025, the RAC attended 25,758 pothole-related breakdowns, representing an 11% increase from the previous year, averaging 71 callouts a day.
As of 15 August 2025, Warrington Borough Council had 131 unrepaired potholes on record. The highest concentration was found on Barnard Street, where 18 potholes remained outstanding.
*Please note that a number of these potholes may have been fixed since August 15 2025.
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.
Personal Injury Claims UK 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.
In response, a Warrington Borough Council spokesperson said: “We have systems in place to maintain the safety of our highways and public spaces, to reduce the number of claims. All claims we receive are also thoroughly investigated, including checks for fraud.”
It is understood the recent increase in pothole claims coincided with the council introducing a new online form on their website.
They also compare well with other highways authorities in terms of the total number of claims received, the high numbers of claims which are defended, and the low value of settlements made.
