Bradford could have one of the worst pothole problems in the country, according to a new survey.

An insurance company says 22 per cent of all its West Yorkshire customers' motor damage claims are due to potholes or poorly maintained road surfaces.

The figure is the third highest in England with only Suffolk and Northumberland, which had a 27 per cent figure, posting higher rates of road damage.

The national average for pothole claims was 17 per cent - up from nine per cent during the time of the last survey in 1999.

A spokesman for car warranty firm Warranty Direct, which carried out the survey, said: "All the figures are taken from all suspension claims that can be attributed to potholes or poorly maintained roads."

Brian Farrer, former treasurer of the Bradford branch of the Institute of Advanced Drivers, said: "I take people out in cars to prepare them for their advanced motorist tests, and often get comments from people about the condition of the roads, particularly from motorcyclists because they are more likely to come off when they hit them.

"It surprises me that there are so many claims here, it makes me wonder whether it is just part of the compensation culture we now have."

Darren Brown, owner of Queensbury Motorcycles, agreed but said the worst problems motorcyclists face is other drivers.

"The roads are as bad they ever were," he said.

"I think the main problem is this 'blame claim' culture."

John Bartle, one of the Telegraph & Argus's delivery drivers, said: "One or two of our vans have been damaged, and even a couple of the drivers have tripped up in potholes while jumping in and out of the van.

"The Council doesn't seem to be filling them in as much as it used to - at one time they used to cover them up.

"I can understand why we have so many claims here, they can do a lot of damage."

Keith Smith, head of traffic and highways for North Bradford, believes the authority's roads compare well with others in the region and said more is being done.

"We have set up a new safety inspection team this year to inspect every road in the district to ensure it falls in line with the national standards," he said.

"The team will ensure that any repairs needed are carried out as soon as possible.

"We expect this initiative to greatly improve our roads, which are in a better condition than many others in West Yorkshire."