General News
14 December, 2023
"Dodgy roads" damaging vehicles
SOUTH West Coast MP Roma Britnell has voiced concern as drivers across the region face soaring repair costs due to damage caused by deteriorating state-managed roads.
Ms Britnell said the number of Victorian drivers seeking compensation for damage to their vehicles caused by “dodgy roads” had soared 414 per cent in just three years.
New data provided in State Parliament shows claims for compensation rose from 298 in 2020/21 to 755 the following year, and a “staggering” 1532 in 2022/23.
“Alarmingly, just four of those claims were assessed as payable,” Ms Britnell said.
“It follows a 45 per cent cut in the road maintenance budget since 2020, including a 25 per cent cut this year.”
Ms Britnell said the data further supported her claim of roads being “in a dire state” across Victoria, which she has raised in Parliament consistently throughout the year.
“The Victorian Labor Government’s cuts to road maintenance is allowing the roads to further deteriorate, resulting in significant damage to wheels, tyres and other parts of the vehicle,” she said.
“With a minimum threshold for the cost of damages set at $1580, most claims are not even considered.
“South West Coast families contact me regularly to share their horror stories about roads and the abysmal system of compensation overseen by the Roads Minister.
“If the State Labor Government actually fixed our terrible roads, Victorian families and businesses would not be forced to suffer financially and be in danger when travelling on our roads.”