One of the many problems caused by the cold winter is that the country was left with a legacy of pot holes and cracked roads, resulting in accidents and damage to vehicles. Personal injuries were also incurred as more people slipped on untreated surfaces or fell on rough pavements.
As a result compensation claims for injury and damage caused by poor roads has soared. In Glasgow and Midlothian claims have doubled this year, as Scotland was one of the hardest hit regions.
In North Wales over £150,000 has been awarded in compensation to drivers as a result of pothole damage to cars, a rise of 60% in some areas.
Alison Borthwick from Stirlingshire spent £150 on her damaged alloy wheels, the result of an accident from hitting potholes.
Cyclists have also felt the cost, as a pair of damaged wheels can mean bills of up to £2000. There is also a danger to cyclists swinging into the road to avoid the pothole hazard, with possibility of road traffic accidents as a result.
Although the authorities blame the problems on the big freeze, many believe it was just the catalyst for years of poor maintenance. The effects are still being seen as councils strive to fill the holes in but there are still miles of potholed roads to address.
Dewi Williams, head of highways in Anglesey, says that:
“The effects of this winter are unlikely to come through for five years…the effect will be to see more potholes and valid compensation claims increase.”
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