Peter Connolly wins damages after his car was damaged by a pothole on the A1092. He settled with Essex County Council.
Peter Connolly settled with Essex County Council January 29, before court. Connolly is a property law solicitor. Ironically, he missed a chance to help others; he wanted to prevent similar vehicle damage.
Connolly’s Saab got a flat tire on New Year’s Eve, 2023. He drove on Mill Road by the Suffolk border when a pothole punctured the tire. He had to pay £123 for a new tire.
Connolly filed a claim with the council. He called their initial response a “fob off,” so he started a legal claim that ended in a settlement.
The council said they inspected the road five weeks prior. Connolly argued inspections should be monthly, not every three months. He said his argument was about inspection frequency, feeling their assessment was based on standard criteria without considering the high truck traffic.
He stated heavy trucks serve Clare’s shops and residents. Monthly inspections would be more fitting, requiring consideration of the road’s specific circumstances. He believed the inspection regime was inadequate; the council should have known about defects, with the last inspection being November 27, 2023.
Judges often make recommendations after court cases, addressing issues from the case. Connolly hoped a judge would instruct the council to review inspections. He wanted to bring his argument to court, but doubts the settlement leads to any action from the council.
Connolly worries it won’t help future victims of road defects. They will face his time-consuming process for justice.
The council will pay Connolly £185, covering the tire cost and court costs. He signed an agreement accepting £185 as a full settlement for the December 31, 2023, incident.
Connolly said he got a result, but ultimately nothing really changes for others. He spent far more time than the claim’s value. The council received a request for comments.