Potholes are being ignored by many local Council’s across the country and yet cause £320 million of damage to cars in the UK every year, according to research by the AA.

The figures show that 12% of all potholes in Britain go un-repaired and claims against councils by irate drivers have soared by 42% in England since 1996.

Drivers are most at risk of damaging their cars in a pothole at night or in poor weather and the AA has pointed out the even greater risks for motorcyclists. Safety organisation TyreSafe says damage to tyres is often not immediately obvious and can lead to a blow out when the car is travelling at speed.

The Local Government Association says councils do their best to repair potholes as they appear, but it would cost a further £200 million on top of the current roads maintenance budget to reach government targets for filling in potholes by 2010.