Angus Council has received over 230 compensation claims and paid out nearly £6000 to motorists who say their vehicles were damaged by potholes on the county’s roads.
The Courier can reveal that 237 compensation claims have been received and 14 drivers have been given pay-outs in the last two years. There are 93 claims outstanding, which means the compensation paid out by the council could increase dramatically as they continue to be processed.
In 2009/10 the council received 133 claims and paid out £5498 to 12 individuals. There were 119 claims closed with no compensation paid, while two remain outstanding.
Last year the council received 104 claims and paid out £339 to two people. Eleven claims were closed with no pay-out but 91 remain outstanding.
Taxpayers Alliance campaign director Emma Boon said, “Sadly there is a growing compensation culture now but the council could reduce this bill by keeping the roads in a good state of repair. Residents expect that in return for their council tax.
“If the council was properly maintaining local highways then fewer claims would be made. That would save the council time dealing with them and save taxpayers from a double whammy of having to pay twice, once for road repairs and again for compensation if repairs aren’t done.”
The figures were made available through a Freedom of Information request.
Road repair crews worked flat out to fill in 2600 potholes between January 1 and May 4 this year and are continuing to work their way round the remaining ones as quickly as possible.
The council has approved a record investment in the county’s roads for 2011/12. This £15.4 million cash injection will help the local authority deal with the potholes and other problems that have emerged.
Arbroath Councillor Donald Morrison said, “I’ve attended the community council meetings and Neighbourhood Watch meetings where potholes and the general condition of roads in the town and outside the town have been discussed. In fact it was raised by Friockheim Community Council this week or the week before, so it is an issue and there is big concern about the deterioration of the roads.
“The roads department have a huge budget, they are working to fix the roads, but you can have as much money as you can but you need the manpower and you need the time.”