Potholes are endemic to Britain’s roads now, and while car and vehicle drivers may suffer mechanical damage from them, they are unlikely to be seriously hurt, says personal injury specialist Ian Huckstepp. Cyclists and motorcyclists however are at far greater risk of coming a cropper from potholes with the potential of suffering life-changing injuries, he cautions. Although 2.2 million potholes were filled across England and Wales last year, council cuts mean road upkeep is increasingly under threat, with recent weather extremes only aggravating matters. Local authorities are prepared for the worst, paying out nearly £23m in compensation to road users in England and Wales last year, following damage caused by potholes. Mr Huckstepp, principal of Horsham-based IRH solicitors said: “Although hugely expensive in terms of vehicle repairs, motorists rarely lose control or suffer serious injury. “Sadly, the same cannot be said for motorcyclists and cyclists, whose risk of injury is very real indeed.” For more information visit www.irhlegal.co.uk
