DRIVERS whose vehicles have been damaged by potholes in Mornington Peninsula roads could be out of luck when it comes to claiming compensation for minor damage.
Several callers to The News have complained of car damage after driving over a pothole outside 220 Eramosa Road West.
Some are hoping for compensation, but Mornington Peninsula Shire Council guidelines are clear.
Infrastructure services manager Tom Haines-Sutherland said potholes occur more frequently in the wetter months and were caused by water getting into the road surface due to a crack or a small hole. Traffic driving over the fault caused a pothole to form.
Haine-Sutherland said any claims received by the shire were dealt with individually and on their merits.
Section 110 of the Roads Management Act 2004 specifies that road authorities, including councils, are not liable for the first $1460 of property damage due to road infrastructure.
Heavy rain and flash flooding has been impacting roads across the state this year.
In the past Transport Victoria has advised drivers to defer any non-essential travel during bad weather until it passes.
People who have to drive should turn headlights on and give extra space to the car in front.
First published in the Western Port News – 21 June 2022
