Lib Dems demand pothole emergency as insurance claims in Sunderland skyrocket

New council figures reveal the £40k cost of Sunderland’s pothole crisis has rocketed to record levels, with motorists and taxpayers paying the price.

Liberal Democrat councillors in Sunderland are calling on council bosses to declare a pothole emergency after figures showed record level of compensation claims in the city.

In 2025/2026 motorists submitted 300 compensation claims in Sunderland for damage caused by potholes, with a staggering 183 of those being successful, costing local taxpayers nearly £39,822.87 last year alone - nearly 10 times as much as the highest figure in the last 7 years.

Wearside Lib Dems are calling for a common-sense approach to pothole repairs, arguing that fixing potholes that are plaguing drivers before they meet the council’s strict criteria, will help to nip the problem in the bud, bring down insurance claims, reduce damage to vehicles, and show residents that the council has pride in our area.

Commenting on the figures, Lib Dem Councillor for Doxford Park Michael Peacock said:

“Motorists across Doxford Park and right across Sunderland are sick of the state of our roads. I’ve spoken to residents facing repair bills running into hundreds of pounds because of pothole damage. That’s an unfair price to pay just to get to work, or to visit friends and family.

“In recent months, requests for pothole repairs have been refused due to costs or because they do not meet the council’s definition of ‘urgent’. Recently, badly needed resurfacing works had been delayed over the summer, and when pothole repairs are made its often poor quality patch and fix work”