councils set for rocky road ahead

9th July 2010

The dispute resolution team highlight the recent spate of local authority payouts on motor vehicle damage claims due to the state of the roads, caused by the severe winter weather.

The dispute resolution team at national firm HBJ Gateley Wareing are highlighting a report which shows local authorities are having to make substantial payouts on claims for damage to motor vehicles due to the state of the roads, caused by the severe weather last winter.

This was an issue dispute resolution partner Debbie Milne forecast would occur earlier this year, and tens of thousands of pounds in compensation are now being paid out to drivers for vehicle damage, on top of spending to keep roads clear of snow and ice and the costs of repairing potholes.

This comes at a time when councils are under severe budgetary pressure, a situation which is set to get worse as the AA predicts the number of potholes increased by a third due to the severe weather.

Debbie said "Councils must act to ensure roads are inspected regularly and repairs undertaken. This will undoubtedly require increased investment, but failure to do this will result in escalating claim levels. Citizens can help by having a measure of civic responsibility and reporting any hazardous potholes to their local authority.

"In addition, there is an onus on drivers and cyclists to drive responsibly, ensuring they keep a lookout for potholes and taking care to avoid them where possible."

Debbie Milne is a partner within the dispute resolution team of HBJ Gateley Wareing.