4 TYRES GO BANG

by roberterskine

08 Jan 2011

On Thursday evening 6th Jan 2011 at approx 19.50hrs I was leaving the Copthal Leisure Centre, Barnet, on Champions Way NW4, driving at walking speed due to the height the speed humps located there.

It was raining heavily and the road poorly lit. Just after the last speed hump, 50 yds before the approach to Page Street, I drove into a nasty, deep pothole, with a particularly vicious sharp edge, the lowest section of the pothole. It was completely full of water such that there was huge puddle extending almost to the middle of the road. It was well hidden!

I could not have avoided it-see photos, and trying too would have caused me to cross the centre of the road, as there were other vehicles present. Almost immediately the car slewed to the left and I stopped. Both the nearside front and rear tyres were instantly flat.

With Hazard lights on I went back to investigate, and saw the submerged the pothole. Being a member of GEM Rescue I phoned for assistance, and as I was on the phone another vehicle drove straight into the pothole with the same instant devastating results!

I went to the aid of the driver an older gentleman who was thoroughly 'shaken' by the event. Afterwards I called the Police and Barnet Council to alert them to this dangerous situation, requesting at least cones and a keep right sign be put up immediately.

Whilst we were both awaiting rescue several other vehicles went into the pothole all stopping afterwards with various types of damage, and I decided to stand by the pothole directing vehicles away.

On returning yesterday morning to take photos workmen were just putting up cones and signs.