Harrow Council has revealed it paid over £200,000 for pothole-related accidents. The council plans to significantly boost its investment in road and pavement repairs this year.
Harrow: A North London council has dished out over £200,000 since 2020 for accidents caused by potholes and pavement issues. This info came from a Freedom of Information request.
The biggest payout happened in 2022, totaling more than £75,000. It seems the council is stepping up its game, planning to double its investment in road and pavement repairs this year.
When councils don’t keep pedestrian areas safe, they can end up paying big bucks for injury claims. Potholes and uneven surfaces are often the culprits behind these accidents.
In the last five years, Harrow Council has settled 30 claims related to pedestrian accidents, including incidents in parks and car parks. The total compensation reached £202,846.86.
Out of 231 claims, most were for pavement defects, with 182 claims made. The next highest were for carriageway defects, with 24 claims. Interestingly, 13% of claims against Harrow were successful, which is higher than the national average.
Local councils must ensure public spaces are safe. If they don’t, they can be sued for injuries. To win a claim, it must be shown that the council failed in its duty of care.
People with disabilities often struggle with cracked and uneven pavements. Adam Gabsi, a local resident, highlighted how these issues create barriers for disabled individuals in Harrow.
He pointed out that poorly maintained streets make it tough for wheelchair users and those with mobility aids. These hazards can lead to injuries and limit independence.
In 2020, Harrow saw 45 claims, the second-lowest in five years. The following year, 2021, had five successful claims out of 46, costing £24,792.62.
2022 was the peak year for payouts, with £77,290.90 paid out after nine successful claims. In 2023, there were 59 claims, but only seven were successful, totaling £27,595.20.
Residents complained about a road on Village Way, saying it had deteriorated so much that their homes vibrated when large vehicles passed. In 2024, 34 claims were made, but none were successful.
The council believes its increased investment is helping tackle these issues faster. They assessed 457.4km of roads and 935.1km of footways for damage, prioritizing the worst areas for repair.
A spokesperson for Harrow Council said they recognize potholes are a big issue. They’re more than doubling their investment from £6m to £14m to improve road safety.
They’re using new tech for repairs, like the pothole pro and thermal road repair machines. Since January 2024, they’ve resurfaced nearly 60 roads and fixed over 2,000 potholes.
The council is committed to making roads safer for everyone and restoring pride in the borough.
