Tories accused of overseeing a 'pothole pandemic' on England's roads

Sixty-three claims for pothole damage were lodged by motorists every day last year, the Liberal Democrats said.

The party called for budgets road maintenance plans are fully reinstated by the government, accusing the Conservatives of overseeing a "pothole pandemic" on England's roads.

Data from 85 local authorities in England, obtained using to freedom of information requests, show that compensation paid to motorists reached £1.77 million in 2022/23. – a slight increase on the previous year.

The Liberal Democrats said the number of pothole claims increased significantly last year, with 23,042 in 2022/ 23, compared to 13,579 recorded the previous year.