Britons injured amid poor road conditions reaches record high despite Highway Code changes

Incidents include cyclists being thrown from their bikes after hitting potholes, or pedestrians tripping over tree roots on pavements.

The injuries sustained, however, have meant local authorities have had to fork out almost £17,000 per claim.

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The poor road conditions come despite the £200million funding pledged to help improve walking and cycling routes in England.

Transport Secretary Mark Harper had previously said that the investment for hundreds of upgraded routes and paths across the country “will help to reduce emissions, boost local economies and create jobs”.

The new schemes will also help make it safer for children to walk to school and will better connect rural communities, “helping more people choose active travel as an affordable and healthy way to get around” Harper explained.

Promoting more active travel such as walking and cycling has been supported by the Government and the Highway Code.

The code was updated to help protect pedestrians and cyclists who have been encouraged to ride in the centre of a lane on quiet roads.

However, despite the Highway Code allowing cyclists to travel in the middle of the road, many drivers are unaware of the rule.

According to experts, only a third of people know cyclists can ride in the centre of their lane on quiet roads.

Meanwhile, only a similar number of people are aware cyclists can keep at least 0.5 metres away from the kerb edge.

Alix Bedford, risk expert, at Zurich UK, explained the last few months of rain will have taken its toll on roads, pathways and cycleways.

He said: “People should look out for defects such as potholes and edge failure. A simple trip can cause a pathway user serious injury.”

Zurich detailed how Britons are more likely to injure themselves in West Midlands with 50 per cent more claims for injuries on roads and pavements happening here in 2023.

Likewise, the East of England and Scotland all saw an increase in people getting injured on the local highway network.

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Bedford added: “Whether you’re walking, cycling or perhaps driving over the coming weeks then be extra vigilant of defects in the road, and report any you do come across to local councils so they can log and repair them.”