Community
23 December, 2023
Vehicle damage on the rise
THE number of Victorian drivers seeking compensation for damage to their vehicles caused by ‘dodgy roads’ has soared 414 per cent in just three years.
New data provided in State Parliament shows that 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.
It follows a 45 per cent cut in the road maintenance budget since 2020, including a 25 per cent cut this year.
Member for South West Coast, Roma Britnell MP, said the data was further evidence of the dire state of roads in Victoria.
“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 vehicles,” Ms Britnell 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.”
