THE number of successful claims made by motorists against Gloucestershire Highways Authority has been cut by 98 percent a year, netting the council an award for efficiency.

The council won the Local Government Chronicle Award for Efficiency and Modernisation this month for saving the council £500,000 a year through its innovative approach, developed by council staff, to reducing claims.

As well as handling the claims more efficiently, a tougher inspection regime was introduced on the county's roads.

Gloucestershire county council group director of environment, Duncan Jordan, said: "This was an excellent piece of work that has really benefited local people.

"The team worked through the problems and inefficiencies of the old way of dealing with claims and came up with new systems.

"We have cut down on bureaucracy and more importantly the money previously spent on insurance claims can now be used for repairing and improving our local roads."

Cllr Julie Girling, lead cabinet member for environment said: "Claims made against councils can cost a huge amount to the taxpayer and this award recognises the outstanding work by our staff to reduce claims and make the county's roads safer."

Gloucestershire came top of the six councils shortlisted for the award.