Highways Claims Soar

Legal claims from motorists who allege their vehicles were damaged because of the poor condition of Surrey's roads are likely to double by the end of this year. In 2006 Surrey County Council received 518 public liability claims from drivers relating to the condition of the roads. The number of highways claims made between January and mid October 2007 reached 954, which is almost double the number for the whole of last year. In 2007 up to mid October, 50 claims totalling nearly £33,000 have been paid by the County Council. However further claims are likely to be received and to be paid before the end of the year.

Councillor Hazel Watson, Leader of the Liberal Democrats on Surrey County Council, said: "The Tory administration at County Hall is complacent about the state of the roads, claiming that their condition is improving, but the soaring number of claims by the public shows that the reality is very different. Surrey residents are being forced to make claims to the County Council when their vehicles are damaged on Surrey's poorly maintained roads. Public money is being spent on paying claims that would be better spent on repairing the roads. Liberal Democrats are campaigning for improving the condition of Surrey's roads and for also for the County Council to ensure that it gets value for money from its Highways contractors."