Hundreds file compensation claims
Aucklanders are lining up to try get money out of Auckland Transport (AT) for damage to their vehicles allegedly caused the region’s roads.
AT received 276 requests for compensation for damage or injury that related to roads for the year to October 2017.
However, none received compensation from AT.
Of the complaints 59 referred to potholes, 107 referred to tyres and 18 referred to accident.
Mt Roskill resident Ross Willcocks said he was left $150 out of pocket after his vehicle was damaged by an open drain hole.
Willcocks lodged a compensation claim but AT told him there was a three week time limit and he was too late, he said.
‘‘It took AT months to fix the open drain hole and shortly after my incident, I saw a small commercial van fall into the drain,’’ Willcocks said.
AT chief financial officer Richard Morris said it was standard practice in New Zealand for council’s to not give compensation for damage that related to roads.
Insurance Council of New Zealand operations manager Terry Jordan said insurance companies often paid out customers who had vehicles damaged by potholes.
‘‘Some potholes in Auckland are large and it is common for customers to experience things like tire punctures and suspension damage,’’ Jordan said.