Few Claims For Pothole Damage Have Been Paid Out
Wednesday, 23. June 2010
As I’ve reported on several occasions following the particularly bad winter the roads of Britain are covered in potholes. Our local authority was quick to act and I’m pleased to say that the roads of West Sussex appear to be in pretty good order now which has probably avoided a lot of claims for damaged vehicles. Which is just as well because it seems that getting a payout, as a result of pothole damage, isn’t easy according to a report in Autoexpress. The report gave the number of claims made for pothole damage caused on the motorway network. Of the 382 claims made in the last year only 40 have been settled. In their defence the Highways Agency, responsible for the maintenance of the motorway network and major A roads in England and Wales, said that the onus is on drivers to provide evidence that the damage caused to their vehicles was due to a pothole. A spokesman said ‘If records show the road was properly maintained and there’s no evidence of defect, it’s right that we deny the claim.’ The M1 had most claims at 49 with just 4 receiving a payout. Pressure website, www.potholes.co.uk reported an increase of drivers getting in touch to complain about the Highways Agency and local authorities refusing payouts. Have you had a claim refused or know of anyone who has? If so let me have a comment. By Graham Hill
