Carl Turner, 46, told Watford Observer he had to fork out £370 on New Year’s Day after two of his tyres were ruined in Prestwick Road, South Oxhey.

It happened at around 6pm by the golf course near the junction off Hayling Road.

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He said: “It was dark and was raining so I didn’t see the pothole. When I hit it, the bang was terrifying, and my son jumped.

“I pulled over to look at the tyres and I could see the front left one was flat, and I could hear the air coming out of the back left tyre.”

The dad of two, who works on counter sales for a kitchen company, previously had driving jobs as an instructor and a coach driver for 25 years.

A picture of Carl's damaged tyre. (Image: Carl Turner)

He said: “In all my years as a professional driver, I have never heard a bang like that.

“It was a shocking sound and was scary, it felt like something had broken under the car, it was that loud.”

Mr Turner, who lives in South Oxhey, has vowed to try and claim the tyre costs back from Hertfordshire County Council (HCC).

However, he fears he will be unsuccessful because the process requires an aerial view of the site, and the online form lasts for 30 minutes before being logged out, he claims.

The pothole that Mr Turner says damaged his tyres is on Prestwick Road, South Oxhey. (Image: Carl Turner)

Mr Turner added: “I had to drive to Southampton on the Monday, so I had to have the tyres changed on New Year’s Day, which limited my choices and cost.

“I think the council should cover the cost of the tyres due to their poor maintenance.

“And I have since found out the pothole was reported the day before I drove over it.”

An HCC spokesperson said: “We can’t comment on whether or not this claim will be paid as it is still being assessed.”

They added they are not aware of anyone complaining about the online time out period and all requested documentation is to prevent delays.