To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate she has made of the amount of compensation paid by local authorities in response to claims for (a) injury and (b) damage caused by potholes in roads maintained by such authorities in the most recent period for which figures are available. (192403)

Highway maintenance on local roads in England is the responsibility of each local highways authority. This responsibility includes management of claims for compensation for personal injury and damage to vehicles resulting from alleged inadequate road maintenance. No estimate is made centrally of the likely level of compensation which may be paid by local authorities to settle such claims.