FURIOUS motorists whose cars were splattered in wet cement by road workers have today demanded to know whether they will get compensation.
Scores of angry car owners, whose vehicles have collectively suffered thousands of pounds damage, have been told by contractors that they could have to wait up to ten days to find out if their claims will be paid out.
They have been criticised by the UK’s leading motoring organisation which called on the firm to be “up front” about the issue.
Meanwhile Southampton City Council, which commissioned the work, has continued to insist that its sub-contractor, Concrete Repairs Ltd, (CRL) is responsible and council chiefs are happy with the way it is handling the situation.
More than 100 drivers have reported that their cars were accident sprayed with a messy mixture containing concrete residue as they drove over the Redbridge flyover in Southampton.
But when the Daily Echo spoke to CRL’s marketing manager John Drewett we were met by a wall of silence.
He refused to comment about what affected motorists should do, whether they will be entitled to any compensation and how long it would take to process any claims.
Motorists who have contacted the Bristol-based company have been told that someone from CRL will get back to them in anything up to ten days.
The Daily Echo understands that CRL is collating motorists’ names before handing all the information to their insurers.
A council spokesman said: “We are keeping in full contact with CRL and monitoring the situation and how they are dealing with people’s claims.
“We are happy with the way CRL are dealing with it.”
Paul Watters, head of roads policy at the AA said: “As often happens the poor old motorist is a victim of something beyond their control but for which someone else is responsible.
“However it’s a legal minefield trying to get legal recompense from those responsible.”
Mr Watters also criticised CRL’s refusal to publicly offer any guidance to affected motorists.
“It is much better to be up front about it. It seems to be pretty clear cut to me.”
The roadworks to strengthen the Redbridge flyover are due to be completed by the end of this year.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel