Council refuses to fix pothole because it is 7mm too shallow

A council has refused to fix a pothole following an accident which left a woman with a badly bruised hip and ankle, because the hole is 7mm shallower than regulations stipulate.

Lea Shields, 31, said "I had my son with me in his pushchair when I had the accident and was lucky it didn't tip over and hurt him."

"I phoned the council and they met me for an inspection, but said it would not be repaired. They're not going to fix it because it's not in the highway rules that it should be fixed."

The council's policy states that potholes shallower than 40mm on a carriageway, or 20mm on a footway will not be repaired, though they will be regularly monitored to check for further deterioration.

Ms Shields questions this approach and argues "It's a hazard – not just to me but to old people and children – if an old person falls, they could break their hip or ankle and may not recover as well as I can."

A Darlington Borough Council spokeswoman said "We are aware of this unfortunate incident and sent an officer to inspect the defect area. We work to set service level standards and the measurements of the defect fell below the standard that required repair."

If you have been injured in an accident in a public place you may be entitled to compensation. Call our accident solicitors on 0845 603 0708.

Manchester Accident Solicitors