Car-wrecking potholes see Scots drivers receive over £4m in compensation from councils

Scottish Drivers Receive Over £4 Million in Pothole Compensation

Local councils in Scotland have paid out more than £4.2 million in compensation to drivers for damages caused by potholes, recent figures reveal. This significant sum equates to nearly £70,000 per month and has sparked criticism over the state of the country’s deteriorating roads. The findings, brought to light by Scottish Lib Dem MSP Willie Rennie, highlight a concerning trend of escalating payouts due to pothole-related incidents.

Rennie pointed out that despite a steady increase in compensation payouts over the years, the Scottish National Party (SNP) government has failed to adequately support local authorities in addressing the issue. Potholes have become a major concern for voters, who are urging politicians at both national and local levels to take action to improve road conditions.

In the past year, the total annual compensation has risen from £676,932 to £870,228, with councils such as Dumfries & Galloway and Glasgow facing substantial bills amounting to hundreds of thousands of pounds. Some councils have also witnessed a significant surge in the number of recorded potholes, indicating a broader infrastructure challenge across the country.

The delay in repairing potholes has been a major issue, with Moray Council recording the longest wait time of 857 days to address a pothole, while Falkirk followed with a 475-day wait. The impact of potholes extends beyond vehicle damage, as it also poses risks of personal injury and financial strain on councils already facing budget constraints.

Industry experts have called for a strategic shift towards comprehensive road resurfacing to address the root cause of the problem rather than temporary patch-ups. Jack Cousens, from The AA, emphasised the need for increased investment and long-term planning to ensure the structural integrity of road networks.

The escalating compensation costs have been attributed to a combination of funding cuts to local councils and the increasing prevalence of potholes across Scotland. Political parties have voiced concerns over the lack of financial support from the SNP government, calling for sustainable funding models to safeguard essential services and infrastructure.

In response, the Scottish Government defended its allocation of resources to local councils, highlighting a real-terms increase in funding compared to previous years. However, the ongoing challenge of potholes and compensation payouts underscores the urgent need for a coordinated effort to address road maintenance issues and ensure the safety of motorists across Scotland.