Local Member for Benambra Bill Tilley has suggested VicRoads should pay for damage to cars caused by the “current pothole epidemic”.
Mr Tilley said the current state of major roads in the area is unprecedented and unlike anything he has seen in his 17 years in the Victorian Parliament.
At present VicRoads has a $1580 threshold for property damage caused by its roads.
Last week Mr Tilley called on the roads minister to review that threshold and take immediate action on potholes and road failures across the district.
“Highways and major arterials under the guardianship of the State are failing – potholes are literally everywhere,” Mr Tilley said.
“The damage to vehicles has been extensive, I think these circumstances demand the threshold be reviewed perhaps even dropped for the time being.
“People are calling, emailing, sending photos -- one spent $2800 on repairs, a pensioner had a $561 bill and of course doesn’t get to the threshold for compensation, another person had to hire a car after theirs was left undriveable.
“A constituent travelling the Murray Valley Highway counted more than 60 “decent sized” potholes over a 70km stretch from Tallangatta to their home.”
The Victorian Labor Government cut $150 million, about 25%, from the state roads maintenance budget in May.
Mr Tilley said these roads are simply not safe.
“There are some signs in place to warn of the danger, but the reality is that there will never be enough signs for the numbers of potholes we now have on our roads,” he said.
“We all live here, we all know it’s been wet but that’s no excuse, it’s been wet before.
“Motorists are suffering blow outs travelling at 100kmh, they’re crossing lines to avoid potholes on the crest of a hill – I genuinely fear a serious accident unless we get action.”