Shirehall highway bosses claim that a “robust” maintenance system is helping to keep down pothole damage claims in Shropshire while they continue to soar in other parts of the country.

Figures reveal that nationally local authorities spent £65 million dealing with compensation claims for damaged vehicles and injured drivers in 2007.

But the Asphalt Industry Alliance says only £52 million was used to fix potholes in the same period.

Research has shown that drivers now have to contend with at least 3.5 million holes on roads in England and Wales.

This is made up of more than one million potholes plus a further 2.5 million openings due to roadworks by the utility companies.

Shropshire Council is responsible for maintaining a road network of more than 5,000 kilometres.

During 2008/09 just over £700,000 – about six per cent of the £11 million structural maintenance budget – was spent on filling in potholes.

Over this period 113 claims were made of which more than 100 were repudiated. To date it has settled claims totalling just over £1,000.

Chris Edwards, the council’s assistant director for environmental maintenance, said regular safety inspections were carried out on the roads and defects were repaired.

“We have a robust system for maintaining the roads and can manage claims in an efficient way,” said Mr Edwards.

“We have a big network but I think our roads compare favourably with those in other parts of the country.”

Figures were not available from Telford & Wrekin Council.

However it was reported last month that it had doubled the number of teams responding to call-outs after an increase in damage to roads over the winter.

An additional £2.2 million of highways maintenance has also been committed for the next two years.

But last year there were claims from some councillors and residents that roads across Telford were a “disgrace” and in urgent need of repair.

Money was being spent on upgrading cycle routes and roundabouts but not enough was being done to improve highway surfaces.