Between 2020 and 2024, the council has paid out over £400,000 in compensation to those injured on Croydon’s roads and pathways.
Local authorities, including Croydon, have a duty of care to ensure the safety of public spaces. The Highways Act 1980 requires councils to maintain public highways, with regular assessments and repairs for defects.
However, according to figures obtained by Accident Claims Advice, 342 claims have been filed against the council since 2020. Of the 342 pedestrian accident claims lodged against Croydon Council, only 67 have been settled with compensation.
Uneven road surfaces and potholes are the biggest causes of injury, attracting 93 and 72 claims, respectively. Other injury causes include cracks, faulty kerbs and poorly laid footpath slabs.
Lucy Parker, a solicitor at JF Law, stressed the importance of proper maintenance, saying, “Pedestrian accidents can lead to serious injuries like sprains, head trauma, and broken bones—properly maintained roads and footpaths are essential.”
Parker emphasized the need for councils to be held accountable, as victims face hefty medical bills and lost wages. “Claims not only help victims get compensation, but they also push local authorities to create safer public spaces,” she said.
Broken bones topped the chart as the leading injury sustained from trips and accidents, with 76 claims brought against the council. Bruising and swelling, and injuries to the hands and feet also feature in the list of common injuries.
In 2020, Croydon saw 69 claims—its second-lowest annual total in the past five years. By 2023, this number rose to 88 claims, though the council saw a decrease in 2024, with just 36 claims filed.
Research from 2018 shows that nationwide, pedestrians who tripped on pavements were awarded over £2.1 million in compensation. Yet, out of 10,572 claims made against councils, only 8% were successful, highlighting how difficult it is to secure compensation.
Victims must prove the council breached its duty of care if they are to succeed in a personal injury claim. Accident Claims Advice also gathered figures detailing the amount paid out for successful pedestrian accident claims since 2020, totalling £427,478.15, with £153,814.71 being paid out in 2021 alone.
A council spokesperson said: “We always take the safety of our residents and visitors very seriously and work to ensure road surfaces are as safe as possible all year round.
“We are especially vigilant during winter, when roads tend to expand and contract in the weather, making them more susceptible to potholes. This is why residents are encouraged to report potholes and other potential hazards to the council using the Love Clean Streets app so we can look into the matter as soon as possible.”
