The number of Victorian drivers seeking compensation for damage to their vehicles caused by dodgy roads has soared 414 per cent in just three years.
New data provided in State Parliament shows that claims for compensation rose from 298 in 2020/21 to 755 the following year and a staggering 1532 in 2022/23.
Alarmingly, just four of those claims were assessed as payable.
It follows a 45 per cent cut in the road maintenance budget since 2020, including a 25 per cent cut this year.
Nationals Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland said the data was further evidence of the dire state of Victoria’s roads.
“Labor can’t manage money, can’t manage projects and can’t keep our roads in safe condition to drive on,” Ms Cleeland said.
“We know our roads are in an appalling condition, yet this tired Labor Government is cutting road maintenance funding and falling short of its own road repair targets.
“A 414 per cent increase in compensation claims really demonstrates @how neglected our roads have become.
“Drivers can no longer drive on the left side of the road, they have to drive on what is left of the road.”
Ms Cleeland said constituents had raised several concerns with the claims process after suffering damage to their vehicles while travelling on the neglected roads.
“Not only has the Labor Government left these roads in a dire state, but now people impacted by the poor roads are unable to get the compensation they deserve,” Ms Cleeland said.
“My office continues to deal with members of the community who have been unable to receive deserved compensation from our dangerous and neglected roads.”
With a minimum threshold for the cost of damage set at $1580, most claims are not paid, leaving Victorians out of pocket.
Shadow Minister for Roads, Danny O’Brien, said if the Allan Labor Government actually fixed the terrible roads, Victorians wouldn’t be suffering this damage.
“Yet despite cost blowouts of more than $30 billion on major infrastructure projects under Jacinta Allan, Labor is actually spending less on basic maintenance of our roads,” Mr O’Brien said.
