Newly released data shows that Pembrokeshire County Council has paid more than £2,000 in compensation to road users affected by pothole damage since 2022.

Figures obtained by Personal Injury Claims UK reveal that the council received 107 pothole-related claims over a three-year period. The year 2024 saw both the highest number of claims (54) and the largest total payout (£2,059).

Across the UK, potholes continue to pose a major challenge for road users. With over one million potholes estimated nationwide, they remain a leading cause of breakdowns and costly vehicle repairs. The Government has set aside £1.6 billion for road improvement projects up to the end of 2026.

Solicitor at JF Law, Patrick Mallon, said: “We’ve seen a clear rise in pothole-related incidents right across the UK. Cold, wet weather accelerates road deterioration, and even small defects can cause serious harm.

“For motorists, potholes can lead to expensive repairs. For cyclists and motorcyclists, the risks are even greater, and a sudden impact with a pothole can result in severe, sometimes life-changing injuries.”

Potholes form when water infiltrates cracks in the road surface. As temperatures fluctuate, the expansion and contraction of this water break down the asphalt. Poor drainage, ageing road surfaces, and previous utility works all contribute to the problem.

The consequences can be severe. On average, 15 people a month are killed or left with life-altering injuries in collisions linked to poor road conditions.

Beyond safety concerns, the financial burden on motorists continues to grow. According to national newspapers, pothole-related vehicle repairs reached a record £579 million in 2024.

Despite ongoing road maintenance efforts, Pembrokeshire County Council has reduced its pothole repair budget over recent years, from £325,000 in 2021/22 to £286,000 in 2023/24.

Nationally, the RAC Pothole Index estimates around six potholes per mile on council-managed roads. Between October 2024 and September 2025, the RAC attended 25,758 pothole-related callouts, an 11% increase, averaging 71 breakdowns per day.

Patrick Mallon continued: "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.”

Earlier this year, a programme of works to repair thousands of potholes on some of Wales’ major roads was given the green light.

The £25m refurbishment programme, announced by the Welsh Government, is funding 22 projects across Wales’ strategic road network.

The work is said to improve over 100km of road and help its future resilience by fixing and preventing around 30,000 potholes.