Pothole Causes Thousands of Pounds Worth of Damage to Cars and Tyres
A metre-wide pothole caused thousands of pounds worth of damage to more than a dozen vehicles travelling westbound on the B2102 from Heathfield to Halland during rush hour last Monday morning.
Most were on their way to work in Uckfield, Lewes and Brighton and suffered shredded tyres and damaged wheels and suspension.
The two-foot deep hole stretched halfway over the carriageway so could not be avoided because of oncoming traffic.
Vehicles ploughed into it, ending up on the roadside verge with shattered wheels, shredded tyres, wrecked suspension and steering.
A Mini driven by a Heathfield woman could not be started and had to be towed away on a low loader.
The wheel and tyre of an Alfa Romeo were damaged and the tyre of an Audi A2 was also shredded. Others cars involved included Peugeots and Citroens.
A County highways inspector arrived on the scene at 10am and said the hole had been reported on Sunday night. The hole was filled in but by that time more cars were wrecked.
Lee Lay-Flurris, husband of Sandra whose Mini was damaged said: “We managed to get repairs done but this road is in a terrible state. It’s the same all over the county.”
Tony Saggers, boss of Blackboys Service Station where many cars ended up said: “This road is terrible. We had similar problems here a while ago. When repair bills are made out we recommend they state: ‘damage due to impact,’ where and when the incident happened.”
A County spokeswoman said all roads are inspected regularly: “It’s not true to say we were notified about this pothole on Sunday night.
“One of our own staff members reported it as he drove to work on Monday morning, and our highways team filled it within an hour.
“We can’t comment on individual cases, but all claims are fully investigated.”
Oliver Hall, Operations Team
Number: Z8037079
Reg: NKF419
