Whilst canvassing local residents on the run up to the local election the principal issue being raised was “potholes,” the condition of our roads.

The cold weather last winter together with the lack of maintenance on our roads has taken its toll resulting in severe damage to the surface of many of our roads.

But it’s a difficult issue to resolve because it requires a considerable investment to put right. And as it’s a public service, eventually the cost is going to have to be paid by us, the taxpayers.

Using the Road Indicator Report released by the government in 2021/22, Comparethemarket found a total of 35% of roads in Surrey have ‘red’ or ‘amber’ conditions, meaning they may need maintenance in the next 12 months or should be investigated.

A recent article in SurreyLive, an online newspaper, recently reported that Surrey had paid out over £800,00 in pothole compensation payments in the past five years and during this time fixed 221,456 potholes.

But Surrey’s roads are not the worst by far. The study reported that the city of Bristol had 78.5% of roads in need of improvement, closely followed by Blackburn with Darwen (76%) and Cheshire West and Chester (72%.). Surrey was ranked 14th out of areas in England in most need of road improvements in 2023.

Readers may recall an earlier article about Surrey Councillor Rebecca Paul’s petition to the Secretary of State for Transport urging a change in how road maintenance is funded. Currently it is calculated by the length of roads not their usage. She pointed out that Surrey has 5,500 km of roads but, because of our location close to London they are three times as busy as other roads in the country. So far this has fallen on deaf ears.

So what can we do about potholes?

Our website includes a page on “our streets” which explains who is responsible for what.

Make sure  you report a pothole to the Council. Surrey has an online process for reporting potholes that can be accessed here:

If you feel you have a claim against the Council for pothole damage, you can submit a claim here:

But note the conditions under which a claim will be considered. Surrey’s website states:

“Surrey County Council is only liable to pay for damage to vehicles if it can be proved that we have been negligent in the inspection and maintenance of our roads.

We carry out inspections of our roads at a frequency that is determined by the priority level of a road in our maintenance programme. Surrey County Council do not settle claims for compensation automatically but will investigate and assess each claim individually. We will defend claims if no legal liability exists or if we have a defence under Section 58 of the Highways Act.

Damage as a result of third-party operations, such as utility companies, is the responsibility of that organisation and claims should be taken up directly with them.

In severe weather conditions such as ice and snow, the Highways Agency advice is always not to drive unless absolutely necessary and if you cannot avoid your journey, then please do take extra care.”

Which? also has a useful article about claiming for pothole damage that can be viewed here:


But we suppose the most important message we can give is to take great care on our roads and drive in accordance with the road conditions. Try your best to avoid potholes without endangering yourself and others.