£500k paid out for bin lorries damage

Councils across the north-east are paying out around £100,000 a year in compensation for damage caused by bin lorries.

Hundreds of claims have been lodged with Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire councils over the last five years following incidents with bin lorries, vans and street sweepers.

In total, Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire councils have paid out more than £522,000 in damages during that time.

Last night, it was claimed the authorities needed to “get a grip” on the situation and start treating taxpayers’ money with more respect.

But both councils insisted they took the matter seriously, offering regular training and investigating fully.

“We ensure every incident is investigated”

According to figures, obtained through freedom of information, Aberdeen City Council’s most costly year was 2013/14 when it paid out £83,262.30. The following year, Aberdeenshire spent a similar total of £81,618.84, with almost half of that going to motorists whose cars were damaged by waste collection vehicles as they emerged from junctions or parking spaces.

John O’Connell, chief executive of the TaxPayers’ Alliance pressure group, said last night: “It’s ludicrous to see that Aberdeen has such a problem with damaging residents’ property, no doubt made worse by the knowledge that it is taxpayers who will be hurt by this, not individuals’ insurance premiums.”

An Aberdeen City Council spokeswoman said: “We make efforts to ensure every incident is investigated and recorded, and drivers are given training as appropriate.”