BRADFORD Council admits it still has work to do after it paid out more than £70,000 in two years on compensation for pothole damage to motorists.

A Freedom Of Information request carried out by webuyanycar.com found that more than £16 million of taxpayers’ money has been paid to drivers for compensation of damage or injury caused by 2.48m reported potholes between 2018 and 2020.

Bradford Council paid out £71,517 in compensation from 2018 to 2020, 66 per cent less than the Yorkshire and The Humber average per thousand inhabitants.

A council spokesman said: “The council has a dedicated potholes repair team who work all year round and in all weathers to fix the district’s roads.

“We have been working really hard on repairing and improving the highways during the past 12 months as they have received pretty rough treatment including one of the worst winters of the past 10 years.

“The council’s highways team has made very good progress this year, making a thousand additional repairs compared to last year.

“We are pleased to see our hard work reflected in the findings of the study but acknowledge there is still a lot more to do.

“We will continue to do everything we can to ensure the roads are in the best possible condition.”

The study of more than 2,000 motorists by webuyanycar.com found over half (54 per cent) admitted to having had their car damaged as a result of a pothole and a 73 per cent know someone who has.

A total of 75 per cent of drivers have no idea how to submit a claim from their local council for compensation, with just three per cent having successfully done so.

What causes potholes to form?

Potholes are caused by water expanding and contraction by freezing and melting after it enters the ground under the road.

When it seeps in and freezes it takes up more space under the road causing it to expand and crack, weakening the material. When it melts, there are gaps left under the pavement, and as vehicles pass over the weak spot the material is broken and displaced, causing potholes to form.

During winter and spring, this freezing and melting process occurs more frequently, hence causing more potholes.

How to get them fixed

Residents are encouraged to report potholes to Bradford Council as soon as they spot them to get them fixed as fast as possible. This can be done at Bradford Council's website.