M25 Pothole Complaint

by mikejnr1

17 Nov 2010

I'm trying to make a claim as detailed below. So far, I've made no progress. I'll be most grateful for any helpful tips/suggestions. Thank you.



To Whom it may Concern,

It is 4 weeks' since I sent the letter below: I cannot trace a response from you.

Will you kindly do me the favour of sending an acknowledgement immediately.

Thank you.

Faithfully,

Michael Meaney






From: mikeymeaney@hotmail.com
To: info@highways.gsi.gov.uk
Subject: M25 Pothole Complaint
Date: Thu, 21 Oct 2010 21:28:39 +0000

Dear Sir or Madam,

I wish to complain about the existence of a very dangerous pothole which caused an explosive decompression in my off-side tyre and a most frightening experience for me.

The incident began this evening at about 1730. Having driven off the M11 South at Junction 27, then along the slip-road West onto the M25 anti-clockwise, I was at the point of merger - right side - into the M25, and travelling at around 50-60mph, when the off-side front wheel of my car struck something unseen; I heard a loud bang, as the car veered violently to the right before I managed to steer and weave on to the hard shoulder and bring the vehicle to rest. Fortunately no accident occurred, but they were terrifying moments which left me badly shaken, and upset.

Certain that I'd hit a hole I contemplated photographing the site, but realised that with so much heavy traffic on the motorway it would be highly inappropriate to attempt such a feat. Meanwhile I phoned my father and asked him to contact you on your emergency line. This he did, as a result of which he was informed by Control (contact Katie - incident reference 1484 of 21.10.2010) that a unit would be sent to ascertain the situation, with a view to restoring the metalled surface as necessary.

The Breakdown Service assisted me and my vehicle efficiently but with difficulty off the M-way; owing to the nature of the damage suffered it was necessary to have the car towed to my home. Long waits meant I didn't arrive until 2045.

As an entertainer I was en-route to perform at two separate birthday parties - before the 'blow-out': both had to be cancelled immediately, at net loss to me of £250 in fees.

The 'blown' tyre will be replaced tomorrow. There is suspicion the car's suspension might have been damaged; this will be checked and repaired as necessary at the same time.

May I request you send me the requisite claim form so that I might obtain compensation for a most harrowing and dangerous - and expensive - experience.

I hope my quickness in alerting the appropriate authority to the situation may have helped other road users from suffering my fate, or worse.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours faithfully,

Michael Meaney