Motorists pay $1m for damage

Motorists whose negligence has caused damage to bridges, median barriers or other road assets have been invoiced an average $6900 over the past five years.

The most costly crash saw a motorist billed $91,000.

Figures released by the New Zealand Transport Agency under the Official Information Act show that 158 motorists were invoiced $1,093,034.15 by the agency between June 2014 and last July.

Costs for damage to NZTA assets can be recovered in two ways: the first is where a driver is prosecuted and ordered to pay reparation; the second is when the agency is satisfied the loss was caused by negligent driving.

‘‘When a driver is at fault in a crash, and when there are costs associated with that crash, such as clean-up, traffic management or damage to roadside equipment or signage on the state highway network, the New Zealand Transport Agency may seek to recover the costs from the individuals responsible,’’ an agency spokesman said.

‘‘This is the same principle which applies when a driver at fault in a crash causes damage to any property – they [or their insurance companies] are liable,’’ it said.

‘‘We know that when people are involved in a road crash it’s a terrible situation for them and for their family, and we always try to be as careful as possible not to add to that stress.’’

AA general manager motoring affairs Mike Noon said there was ‘‘not a high awareness’’ amongst motorists that they could be liable for the costs.

‘‘If you had your car parked on your front lawn and someone came careening off the road and took your fence out and hit the

❚ $87,065 invoice for damage to the Alexandra Bridge on SH8. That was sent in February 2017 and has been paid.

❚ $77,220.24 for damage to the Rakaia rail overbridge. Sent in May 2017. Paid

❚ $65,280.10 for damage to a wire rope barrier and supporting foundation in Wellington. Sent in August 2015. Paid.

❚ $57,657.87 for damage to Mt Victoria tunnel fire door. Sent in August 2018. Paid.

❚ $47,222.17 for damage on SH1 near Symond St, Auckland. Sent in August 2015. Paid. car, you’d go back to them and want them to pay for it.

‘‘These things like road signs etc are public property and if someone damages it, they should be liable.

‘‘If you’re at fault, you’re at fault, and that’s why you should – as a bare minimum – have thirdparty insurance,’’ he said.

Noon was not in favour of compulsory car insurance due to the added compliance cost for little gain.

About 93 per cent of motorists were insured.

Between June 2014 and July this year, $1,177,764.20 was recovered.