COMPENSATION claims for damage caused by potholes in Barnet’s roads quintupled last year after the extreme weather, it has been revealed.

Motorists made 609 claims in 2009/10 for damage compared to 117 in 2008/9 and 112 in 2007/08, the most of any in London.

Huge holes appeared in many streets across the borough after the cold snap, with the council mustering extra money to pay for the repairs following an unprecedented level of complaints about them from residents.

The total cash paid out by the borough to drivers has been £314,275.

However, the council is blaming the icy weather in 2009/10, the size of the borough and the fact it has 725km of roads for the high costs saying “it stands to reason” it would have more claims.

A statement said: “We will be dealing with repairs as and when reports of damaged road surfaces are received.

“When reports do come in we aim to carry out the necessary work within 48 hours.”

Councillor Alison Moore, the Labour group leader, said the number of claims showed repairs had not been good enough in the first place.

She added: “It seems to me there has been mismanagement and underinvestment somewhere along the line.

“Now residents in Barnet are going to have to foot the bill to pay for the repairs by paying higher charges for parking permits and charges.”