Pothole Crisis in Kent: Why Investing in Road Maintenance Must Be a Priority

One of our key commitments in the Kent Green Party Manifesto is to “Invest in Road Maintenance for All Road Users, Rather Than Building More Roads.” This principle has never been more urgent, as new data reveals a staggering rise in pothole-related compensation claims and a growing crisis in Kent’s road infrastructure.

The Pothole Problem
According to data obtained through freedom of information requests, Kent County Council (KCC) has spent over £35 million fixing potholes in the past three years, with an additional £583,000 spent fighting compensation claims. The number of claims has skyrocketed by 119% since 2021, with 3,763 legal claims lodged against KCC in the last three years alone. In 2023, the council settled a record 150 claims, paying out £31,975 in compensation.

Despite these efforts, 872 potholes remain unfixed across the county, and spending on repairs has plummeted from £15.3 million in 2022/23 to £10.3 million in 2023/24. This decline in funding comes as traffic volumes increase, exacerbating the wear and tear on already crumbling roads.

The £4.25 Million Pothole

The scale of the problem is further highlighted by a shocking revelation: a single pothole in Maidstone cost £4.25 million to fix—the most expensive pothole-related insurance claim in the UK in over a decade. This eye-watering sum is part of a combined payout of £4.9 million by KCC between 2010 and 2023, the highest of any local authority in the country.

While KCC has an insurance policy in place, meaning taxpayers only cover the excess fee, the sheer scale of these payouts underscores the urgent need for sustained investment in road maintenance. As Simon Williams, head of policy at the RAC, explains, “Potholes are a road safety menace that have the potential to cause severe injuries or worse. Dangerous potholes need to be filled as a matter of urgency.”

The Human and Financial Cost

Potholes are more than just a nuisance—they pose serious risks to road users. Beverly Faulkner, a public liability specialist at Accident Claims Advice (ACA), warns that poorly maintained roads can lead to catastrophic damage, including serious injuries and costly vehicle repairs.

The financial burden of potholes extends beyond compensation claims. The UK Treasury has allocated £1.6 billion for local road maintenance in 2025/26, with £378 million specifically for the South East and London. However, as Steve Gooding, director of the RAC Foundation, points out, “The only thing not increasing seems to be the amount of money being spent on maintaining our local roads, which everyone in the country relies on whether they drive or not.”

A National Issue Requiring Local Solutions

Cllr Neil Baker, KCC’s cabinet member for highways and transport, has called for a long-term solution to the pothole crisis. “We need significantly more funds for ongoing road maintenance, over multiple years, so we can plan ahead,” he said. “While we will always need to fix potholes, with proper funding, we could be much more proactive and radically reduce roads reaching crumbling point.”

Cllr Baker’s comments highlight the need for sustained investment rather than short-term fixes. As he aptly put it, “We need real funds, not photos of Government ministers—whatever their party—pointing at potholes and claiming the amount of cash they are announcing will solve the issue.”

The Green Party’s Vision

The Kent Green Party’s manifesto commitment to invest in road maintenance reflects our broader vision for sustainable, people-focused infrastructure. Instead of pouring money into building new roads, which often leads to increased traffic and environmental degradation, we advocate for maintaining and improving existing infrastructure. This approach not only ensures safer roads for all users but also reduces long-term costs and environmental impact.

Investing in road maintenance is a win-win solution. It protects road users, saves money on compensation claims, and contributes to a more sustainable future. As Prime Minister Keir Starmer noted in December, “Broken roads can risk lives and cost families hundreds if not thousands of pounds on repairs. That’s a cost that can easily be avoided by investing properly in our roads.”

Working Hard for a Better Future

The pothole crisis in Kent is a stark reminder of the importance of proactive, long-term planning. At the Tonbridge and Malling Green Party, we are committed to Working Hard, Not Just During Elections to address these issues. By prioritising road maintenance, we can create safer, more reliable infrastructure for everyone.

If you’re tired of dodging potholes and want to see real change, join us in calling for sustained investment in our roads. Together, we can build a future where our roads are a source of pride, not frustration.

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