You may have seen my recent post on the pot hole that resulted in the tragic death of a British serviceman – and you may yourself be aware that the increase in pot holes in the last few months is causing a nightmare on our roads! Well, it appears one man in his quest to avert such tragedy occurring again has been shunned aside by pedantic police, claiming the sign he erected to warn drivers of pot holes was instead a dangerous distraction… (source).
Fifty-nine year old Kent plumber Ted Relf has since criticised authorities for requesting that he remove the home-made sign following an alleged complaint that it was a distraction to drivers rather than a well placed warning of the dangers the road was hiding. Mr Relf has stated that he erected the sign in frustration at the lack of adequate maintenance for the road, stating “Making people aware of the potholes is a serious issue. It’s just stupid to think that someone would complain about a sign.” Local police have agreed with his contention that potholes themselves are a distraction.
Mr Relf’s wife has also commented, stating that she was “alarmed” to read of the serviceman whom lost his life due to a pothole, covered in a recent post of mine. She has reportedly said “We don’t want anyone else dying as a result of potholes. It is a serious problem around here.”
Pot holes in the road are a serious issue – it doesn’t take any expert to tell you that. But usually the consequences of a pot hole incident are primarily trivial. But the fatal incident I covered in my last article illustrates that something as small as a defect in the road can cause a serious accident.
Local authorities have a clear duty of care to ensure that our roads and public pathways are in an adequate state of repair. Failing to regularly inspect and repair the highways leaves the responsible authority liable for any damages caused. When an authority is found liable, a claim for compensation can be made against them.
Speak to a specialist personal injury solicitor today to get the best advice on claiming for compensation.