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Road damage claims in Gippsland rise 400% in 2023 with 1532 claims in six months with only 4 approved

Road damage claims surged by 400%, totaling 1532 in six months, with only four approved for payment. Melina Bath, citing neglect in road maintenance and funding cuts, emphasises the broader safety concern beyond compensation.

By news@gippsland - 14th December 2023 - Back to News

Road compensation claims are skyrocketing with recent data showing a 400 per cent increase in vehicle damage compensation claims due to poor road conditions in the previous three financial years. In 2020/21 there were 80 claims, in 2021/2022, 188 claims and in 2022/23, 463 claims - from these 731 claims two were assessed as payable.

Vehicle damage claims soared 400%, hitting 463 in 2022/23, exposing road maintenance woes, says Melina Bath, Eastern Victoria Region National Member

Road damage increase

The Nationals Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Melina Bath said the statistics paint a stark picture and demonstrate a systemic issue in road maintenance and driver compensation. "Six months into the current financial year and there's been a staggering 1532 compensation claims with only four deemed payable. Motorists are being forced to drive on substandard roads and the Allan Labor government is leaving them with the bill for damaged vehicles."

"The Premier Jacinta Allan has overseen appalling cuts in road maintenance funding which has resulted in pothole ridden roads, crumbling road sides and failing surfaces. Since 2020 Labor has slashed road maintenance by 45 per cent, including a 25 per cent cut in this year's budget. The deteriorating road conditions have a direct correlation with the rise in vehicle compensation claims," she said.

Road neglect critique

Ms Bath said the Allan Labor government cannot simply dismiss these diabolical statistics by blaming driver behaviour or flood events. "The Labor government fails to acknowledge its neglect of road maintenance and serious funding cuts which are the underlying cause."

"Furthermore, the threshold for damage claims has been set by Labor at $1580 which eliminates the most common claim - a damaged rim and blown tyre from hitting a pothole. This issue is broader than vehicle damage and compensation - it's a serious road safety issue, and my constituents deserve to drive on safe roads."

"We need a road system that serves the safety and needs of all Victorians - not just those living inside the tram tracks in Melbourne. The Allan Labor government clearly cannot manage money and it certainly cannot fix Victoria's regional roads," she said.

Pictures from Melina Bath MP Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com