Just four motorists win compensation for damage caused by potholes in Fife's roads
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The figures were divulged in a Freedom of Information request, and prompted one leading politician to call for action.
Alex Rowley, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, said Fife’s roads were in “an awful mess” and he called on Fife Council to push for extra resources to repair them.
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Hide AdThe Labour politician - a former leader of the council - said: “The fact that last year there was 367 claims made against the council for pot hole damage, but only four were successfu,l demonstrates what constituents tell me - that it does all it can to avoid paying up.”
The information given by the local authority said the average pay out to motorists last year was just over £73. In 2019, it was £293.
Mr Rowley called on the council to push for more resources to tackle the problem.
He said: “Given the state of the roads across Fife we need a focussed action to address it and that should mean increasing the numbers of employees and if necessary Fife Council should be making the case to the government.
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Hide Ad“These kinds of roads can do serious damage to a car, and if the person’s own insurance either does not cover or will not pay out, then they are left with damaged cars and no cover to repair.
“ I continue to urge people to report all potholes and road defects to ensure the council is aware and cannot use that as a reason to refuse to pay compensation.