40 insurance claims for pothole-related accidents were presented to Richmond Council in 2023, four times more than the eight claims made the previous year.

The increase correlates with a tripling in the number of recorded potholes across the borough:

• 2021 – 155
• 2022 – 91
• 2023 – 301

Despite this, the council's spend on compensation due to potholes has decreased, with 2023 seeing zero payouts:

• 2021 – £45.00
• 2022 – £29,784.49
• 2023 – £0.00

The figures came to light in January this year following a Freedom of Information Request made in November 2023.

Richmond Council publishes a number of public spending documents each year.

However the exact cost to the borough due to potholes is not specified from the total spend on highways and pavements.