Cheaper insurance news
24/08/2011
Road hazard warning for car owners
Motorists with cheap car insurance may be among those in opposition to plans by the Highway Agency to leave any pothole measuring up to fifteen centimetres wide and four centimetres deep unfilled on English motorways and trunk roads.
The new rules have come as part of a series of government cuts, and will be introduced in the West Country before the end of the year. By 2015 all English contractors will consider the filling of minor potholes to be a low priority job.
A spokesperson for the Association of British Drivers claimed that it would be "irresponsible" and "dangerous" to let major roads deteriorate. He pointed out that even the smallest potholes constitute a serious hazard for motorists.
A director of the Asphalt Industry Alliance said the move "would lead to more temporary speed restrictions being imposed and cost more in the long term because there would be less preventative maintenance".
Those drivers who are concerned about this issue have been urged to check their car insurance policies, to ensure that they are covered for the damage caused by dips in the road.
In related news, a breakdown service has warned that there may be more motoring accidents and car insurance claims made over the coming months, if the government doesn't spend more money on road repairs.