While repairing potholes is expensive for local authorities, it is even more expensive to settle the ever-increasing number of third-party claim by road users. Because local authorities have a legal duty to repair non-motorway roads in their area, it is essential to have an effective inspection programme in place. In the early 2000s, Lancashire County Council appointed Capita Symonds to undertake professional inspections of their roads. This on-going programme of safety inspections plays a crucial part both in the management and maintenance of its roads and in substantially reducing compensation payouts. Because the programme includes the acquisition of so much detailed and accurate information, fraudulent claims are able to be repudiated. Using advanced information technology systems, the programme is so sophisticated it allows the inspectors to cover vast distances of road network every year, making full use of their time, and providing an even more cost effective system.
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