What Car? Q&A - Potholing

Q: I recently punctured a tyre and damaged the wheel on my car when I ran over a pothole. Both the wheel and the tyre had to be replaced, and I was shocked when I got the bill. Is there any way I can get the council to pay for the repairs? I believe the road is poorly maintained and the pothole is dangerous.
Tony Ridley

A: You can certainly write to the council explaining the situation, but it is unlikely that you will be offered any compensation. You would have to be able to prove that your wheel was undamaged before you hit the hole, and that the damaged caused was as a result. This could prove tricky as it may also relate to how fast you were driving at the time.

If there has been a string of claims from motorists about the quality of a particular section or road, it is possible a council may consider the matter, but don’t expect to be able to force legal action through the courts, as traditionally these cases are thrown out.