It’s being claimed drivers in Scotland are suffering a “postcode lottery” of compensation for damage caused by potholes.

The Herald Newspaper has seen statistics showing just one in six claims for damage was compensated in the country last year.

The paper says 15.76% of pothole claims were paid out in 2021-22, amounting to £274,254.01. The low rate is broadly similar to those recorded in 2019-20 when there there were compensation payments of £213,136.35 (16.3%) and 2020-21 when there were payouts of £210,726.55 (14.3%).

It adds that West Dunbartonshire Council failing to payout on any of the 36 claims received in 2021-22 while the Scottish Borders Council was paying out in 42.8% of its 98 cases. Glasgow, which it says is said to have the highest number of pothole damage claims in the UK with more than a thousand seeking compensation – has the second lowest payout rate in 2021-22 with a 0.75% success rate.

(File picture courtesy of RAC)