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Economic Development

Potholes 'major blight' to British business warns Federation of Small Businesses

A total of £50,043 was paid out in compensation for pothole-related vehicle damage in 2018 to 2019

Councils across the region received 80,675 complaints about potholes and other road damage in 2018 to 19(Image: PA)

Authorities in the South West of England received a request to fix a pothole every seven minutes last year.

Councils across the region received 80,675 complaints about potholes and other road damage in 2018 to 19, according to new Freedom of Information figures gathered by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).

The figures also show there were 3,905 claims for pothole-related vehicle damage (down from 4,061 in 2017 to 18).

Some 661 claims were successful and local authorities in the region paid out £50,043 in compensation - an average of £76 for each complaint.

Overall, £140.2million was spent on repairing roads in the South West in 2018 to 19 - up from £121.8million spent the previous year. 

Potholes are a "major blight" on the nation’s roads , says FSB national chair Mike Cherry.

“Potholes are a major concern for the nation’s small businesses," he said.

The FSB says potholes are a "major blight" to businesses(Image: Ian Cooper / Teesside Live)

 

“Poorly looked-after roads peppered with holes and cracks not only hamper their ability to do business, but lead to damaged vehicles, which are often vital assets to small firms working without large capital reserves."