Road compensation claims are skyrocketing with recent data showing a massive increase in vehicle damage compensation claims over the past three and a half years, due to poor road conditions.
In data released by the Minister for Roads and Road Safety, it detailed there were 80 claims in 2020/21, 188 claims in 2021/2022 and 463 claims in 2022/23 – but the alarming statistic is that six months into the current financial year there’s 1532 claims - with only six of the more than 2,000 claims over the period deemed payable.
Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull, said the statistics paint a stark picture and demonstrate a systemic issue in road maintenance and driver compensation.
“Motorists are being forced to drive on substandard roads and the Allan Labor Government is leaving them with the bill for damaged vehicles,” Mr Bull said.
“Since 2020, Labor has slashed road maintenance by 45 per cent, including a 25 per cent cut in this year's budget. It is never going to end any other way.
“Labor can blame the rain and make other excuses, but the reality is, when you cut roads funding where the roads weren’t great anyway, it is only going to end one way.
“The deteriorating road conditions have a direct correlation with the rise in vehicle compensation claims. The proof is there for all to see.
“It is clear to everyone the neglect of road maintenance and serious funding cuts which are the underlying cause, yet it was not long ago, Labor MP Vicky Ward, stood up in Parliament stating complaints about our roads by Nationals MP’s were an ‘imagined fantasy’.
“Vehicle damage claims have been set at a minimum of $1580, which eliminates the most common claim - a damaged rim and blown tyre from hitting a pothole, so you could imagine what the real figure is, if these are excluded.
“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.
"Our cars are required to be roadworthy, so it’s about time out roads are maintained to a standard that is car worthy,” he said.

Monday, 15 January 2024