The figures, revealed in new research from the RAC, show that one of the steepest rises was in Glasgow, where the number of claims more than doubled from 1140 in 2021 to 2794 in 2024.
Glasgow ranked second-highest for increases in Britain, with only Derbyshire reporting more.
Across Britain, drivers lodged 53,015 compensation claims to councils in 2024, compared to 27,731 in 2021, underlining what the RAC described as a “concerning” trend in road deterioration.
Simon Williams, head of policy at the RAC, said: “The massive three-year rise in pothole compensation claims made by drivers shows what a huge task it is to return the roads to a respectable standard.
“But it’s far from an even picture across the country, with just a handful of councils receiving the lion’s share of claims from beleaguered motorists.
“Drivers are still suffering the consequences of years of neglect to Britain’s local road network.
“And with some councils not responding to our request for data, there’s every chance that we’re only seeing the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the claims that have been settled.”
Glasgow has been ranked as having one of the biggest spikes (Image: Newsquest)
Although the 2024 total represents a 6% drop from 56,655 claims in 2023, the underlying trend remains troubling.
Only 26% of claims in 2024 resulted in payouts.
The average compensation was £390, despite the RAC estimating that the cost to repair pothole-related damage—excluding simple punctures—typically reaches £590.
Common issues caused by potholes include broken suspension springs, damaged shock absorbers, and distorted wheels.
Glasgow City Council said it has seen a “substantial reduction” this year compared with 2024.
The sharp rise in claims serves as a stark indicator of the condition of the UK’s roads, particularly in major cities.
Infrastructure problems not only cause costly vehicle damage but also undermine public confidence in road safety and maintenance.
Local governments have cited budget pressures as a barrier to more comprehensive repairs.
A spokesman for the Local Government Association said: “New funding for roads will help turn the tide on the gradual decline of local roads but this will take time to shift from simply filling potholes reactively – which pothole compensation laws require – towards a more proactive, sustainable approach.”
The UK Government has announced a multi-year investment plan aimed at long-term improvements.
A spokeswoman for the Department for Transport said: “We’re investing £7.3 billion over the next four years to help councils resurface roads and fix the pothole plague, giving them certainty to plan ahead and deliver safer, smoother journeys.”
The RAC’s data was gathered through Freedom of Information requests to 207 councils, with 177 responding.
