A huge increase in the number of claims by Warwickshire motorists for damage caused to their vehicles by potholes on local roads could be caused by HS2 traffic, a local councillor has revealed.

Speaking at the most recent Kenilworth Town Council meeting, Cllr Richard Dickson revealed there had been a staggering 115 per cent increase in the number of claims by drivers in the last year.

The numbers come after Warwickshire County Council reported nearly triple the number of pothole fixes in the first two months of the year.

Those extra works were blamed on the prolonged wet weather, but Cllr Dickson has revealed the local authority is also looking to see how much of an impact HS2 traffic is having on local roads.

He told councillors: "In the year ending March 2026 the number of claims submitted by drivers driving through the county for damage caused by potholes has risen 115 per cent compared to the previous 12 months.

"Doubtless one of the reasons for the bad state of the roads is the number of HS2 lorries going through.

"The county council is currently doing an exercise to map where the potholes are on which claims have been made, and how that relates to HS2 traffic, with a view to going back to HS2 to seek extra funding from them."

At the same meeting, councillors relayed news that the Cromwell Lane closure has been extended to the end of October, meanwhile the closure continues at Dalehouse Lane.

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It was also reported HS2 trucks had been spotted taking a shortcut rather than following the official diversion in Burton Green.

(Image by Bill Nicholls via geograph.org.uk)