Sheffield Council pays out nearly £30k over pothole damage claims - and worst street revealed
Sheffield City Council has paid out almost £30,000 in compensation to people affected by potholes over the past three years, new data has revealed.
Figures obtained by Personal Injury Claims UK show the council faced 294 pothole-related claims between 2022 and 2025.
The number of claims peaked in 2024/25, when 114 were submitted – the same year the largest payout was made, totalling £10,637.36.
Across the country, the UK is estimated to have more than one million potholes, which are among the leading causes of car breakdowns.
The Government currently has a £1.6 billion fund to tackle the issue, running until the end of 2026.
Patrick Mallon, a solicitor at legal firm JF Law, said: “Across the UK, we’ve seen a sharp increase in the number of potholes damaging roads and highways, particularly in the colder, wetter months.
“These defects might appear minor at first glance, but they can cause significant damage to vehicles, costing hundreds, if not thousands, of pounds to repair. In some cases, particularly for motorcyclists or cyclists, potholes can even lead to serious accidents and injuries.”
Nationally, poor road surfaces contribute to serious accidents every month, with around 15 people either killed or left with life-changing injuries.
The RAC’s Pothole Index estimates there are roughly six potholes per mile on council-controlled roads across England and Wales.
In Sheffield, as of 15 August 2025, the council had logged 2,565 unfixed potholes.
Ecclesall Road topped the list as the worst-affected, with 18 reported potholes.
| Pothole location | Number of potholes |
| Ecclesall Road | 18 |
| Kilvington Road | 10 |
| Arundel Gate | 14 |
| Manchester Road | 10 |
| Broad Elms Lane | 11 |
| Prince of Wales Road | 10 |
| Brightside Lane | 11 |
| Tyler Street | 10 |
| Shoreham Street | 11 |
| Millhouses Lane | 9 |
Mr Mallon added that local authorities have a legal responsibility to maintain safe roads under the Highways Act 1980.
“They must inspect and repair surfaces within a reasonable timeframe,” he said.
“When they fail to do so, and that neglect results in damage or injury, motorists are entitled to seek compensation.
“Submitting a claim not only helps recover your repair costs but also puts pressure on local authorities to address recurring problem areas more effectively.”
CouncillorJoe Otten, Chair of Sheffield Council’s Environmental Services and Regulation Policy Committee, said: “Sheffield City Council wishes to clarify the arrangements in place for the maintenance and management of the city’s highways. Through a Private Finance Initiative (PFI) contract with Amey Hallam Highways Ltd, the council ensures the delivery of a comprehensive highway maintenance service.
“Under the terms of this contract, Amey is responsible for managing, maintaining, and administering any claims associated with potholes on Sheffield’s roads. Whilst the number of claims may have risen, only one in three claims have been accepted. The well-documented rise in the cost of living has impacted the cost of car parts and repairs which in turn has increased the cost of paying out claims where liability is accepted.
“Furthermore, the council’s partnership with Amey has enabled significant investment in the city’s highway infrastructure, resulting in substantial improvements since the start of the contract in 2012.
“Recent data from the Department for Transport (DfT) highlights Sheffield’s strong performance in road condition scores, with 88 per cent of A roads and 83 per cebt of B and C classified roads assessed as being in good condition.
“This places Sheffield amongst the top performing local authorities in England for road quality. Defects receive a response proportionate to the risk they present. Dangerous defects will receive a response within 24 hours, and Amey has a close to 100 per cent completion rate within these timescales.
“In addition, whilst the latest RAC Pothole Index reports an average of six potholes per mile nationally, Sheffield’s highways have approximately 1.6 potholes per mile, reflecting our unwavering commitment to maintaining and improving roads in our city.
“Sheffield City Council remains committed to delivering a safe and high-quality road network for all residents and visitors. We continue to work closely with Amey to address any defects promptly and to ensure that Sheffield’s roads remain amongst the very best maintained in the country.”
Personal Injury Claims UK offers guidance and support for those who have suffered damage or injury due to potholes.
The firm operates a 24-hour helpline and an online claim form, available on its website.