A couple from Bundanoon, New South Wales, is urging their local council to address road maintenance issues after a pothole caused significant damage to their vehicle. Nila Mezei and her partner Bruce Randall reported that their car’s tyre exploded, resulting in a repair cost of $560. The incident occurred on Sallys Corner Road near Exeter when Mezei was forced to drive over the pothole while navigating oncoming traffic.
Mezei recounted the moment, stating, “The tyre of my Range Rover Evoque popped immediately.” Despite the damage, their attempts to claim compensation were met with a swift denial from the Wingecarribee Shire Council. The council asserted that it had no prior knowledge of the pothole’s existence and therefore could not be held liable.
Council’s Response and Legal Justification
Bruce Randall expressed frustration with the council’s response, which he described as generic and dismissive. He emphasized that the pothole had been present for some time, making it “crazy” to suggest it was the first time the council had heard of the issue. “It feels like they’ve just wiped their hands… It’s disappointing,” he remarked, adding that he worries about the safety of other drivers who might not be as fortunate to escape with just a damaged tyre.
In its defense, the council cited Section 45 of the Civil Liability Act 2002, which protects councils from liability if they lack actual knowledge of the risk causing damage. A spokesperson for the council noted, “Since 2019, the Shire has been impacted by 16 declared natural disasters, which has caused more than $43 million in road damage, with $24 million in outstanding claims still subject to complex state and federal funding processes.” They acknowledged the risk potholes pose but emphasized their commitment to addressing road hazards as resources allow.
The Ongoing Pothole Problem
Following the incident, the council confirmed that the pothole in question has since been filled. However, the issue of potholes remains a significant concern for drivers across Australia. Councils are responsible for maintaining over 85 percent of the road network in New South Wales, which spans more than 180,000 kilometers. Despite the availability of grant funds from the NSW $50 million Fixing Local Roads initiative, local authorities often struggle to keep up with necessary repairs.
The frustration surrounding potholes has even led some individuals to resort to vandalism as a form of protest. In a notable incident last year, graffiti appeared near a pothole in Inverloch, Victoria, demanding action with the phrase “fix it you lazy pricks.” Similar messages have arisen in other locations, highlighting the public’s growing impatience with local councils’ road maintenance efforts.
As the situation continues to unfold, residents like Mezei and Randall are calling for more proactive measures from their local government to ensure safer roads for all drivers.
