Cracking idea to recoup cash from ‘reckless’ road-users

13 August 2009

Hertfordshire County Council has revealed it has recouped £1M from ‘reckless’ road-users over the course of the past two years.

The local authority set up a special highways team to reclaim the costs of damage caused to its road network by businesses and motorists.

The claims-handling team recouped the money to pay for a range of damage, including cracked footways, broken bollards and roundabouts, and oil spills. The claims range from £150 to £5,000 and would otherwise be picked up by the council.

With help from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, the team contacts the vehicle’s owner to find out how the damage happened before deciding if the motorist was responsible. If the motorist was to blame, it contacts the individual’s insurance company and makes a claim.

Stuart Pile, the council’s cabinet member for highways and transport, said: ‘Maintaining our highways is a costly business and every year we see a lot of damage caused by third parties.

‘It simply is not right that the carelessness of a few drivers should cost all council taxpayers money – money that would otherwise be spent on safety schemes or road resurfacing. We will continue to pursue those responsible for damage so that our highways budget can be spent where it is most needed.’

Register now for full access

Register just once to get unrestricted, real-time coverage of the issues and challenges facing UK transport and highways engineers.

Full website content includes the latest news, exclusive commentary from leading industry figures and detailed topical analysis of the highways, transportation, environment and place-shaping sectors. Use the link below to register your details for full, free access.

Already a registered? Login