Potholes which damaged cars prompt council payouts

Image caption, Potholes like this one in Horley, Surrey, have caused damage to car tyres and suspensions

Local authorities in England have paid out hundreds of thousands of pounds to drivers whose cars were damaged by potholes.

According to Britannia Rescue, Surrey County Council awarded 拢638,239 in compensation between 2010 and 2012, the highest amount.

Nottinghamshire County Council awarded 拢158,578 and Kent County Council 拢133,593.

Britannia obtained the figures through Freedom of Information requests.

The claims included damage to wheel rims, punctured tyres and damaged suspension.

Severe weather over the winter and a failure to repair damaged roads has been blamed for the potholes.

However, John Furey, from Surrey County Council, said: "We have done an enormous amount to improve Surrey's roads."

He said more than 40,000 potholes had been filled since May 2011.

Money paid out by local authorities between 2010-2012*

1. Surrey County Council - 拢638,239

2. Nottinghamshire County Council - 拢158,578

3. Kent County Council - 拢133,593

4. Lincolnshire County Council - 拢119,706

5. Worcestershire County Council - 拢110,656

6. Essex County Council - 拢103,507

7. Hertfordshire County Council - 拢101,630

8. Lancashire County Council - 拢97,160

9. East Sussex County Council - 拢86,591

10. Wiltshire County Council - 拢83,043

* Data provided to Britannia Rescue through the Freedom of Information Act