Fewer claims for pavement trip-ups

Swansea Council is not paying out as much compensation to people who fall on pavements as it was five years ago.

The reduction in payouts has been put down to better investment and improved maintenance of roads and footways throughout Swansea.

The Council has completed an assessment of costs paid out to individuals who have made claims against the Authority for falling or tripping on roads and pavements during the last five years. The results not only show a significant reduction in the number of claims against the Council but also a drop in the amount paid out to claimants.

In 2005, 249 claims were made against the Council. This resulted in £254,526.00 being handed out in claims. In 2008/09, 49 claims were made and the Council paid out just £76,289.

John Hague, Cabinet Member for the Environment in Swansea Council, said: "In recent years, the Council has developed and improved its methods of highway maintenance and inspections.

"Clearly this is having a positive effect in not only providing better roads and pavements for people in Swansea but also in helping to reduce the number of claims that are directed towards the Council."

The Council's latest programme for maintaining roads and footways ends in 2010 and the public has recently been asked for their input to guide the Council in drawing up a maintenance plan for the next five years.

Cllr Hague added: "We value the opinions of our residents and we are delighted they have so willingly assisted us in prioritising this important work.

"Highway maintenance is an ongoing responsibility for us and one that is also a concern for everyone living and working in Swansea.

"The aim will be to target available funding in line with the preferred choices made by the public."

The Council will now produce a detailed programme of maintenance works to improve and maintain some of its 1100 km of carriageway, 1500 km of footway, 27000 street lights, bridges, drainage and signs.