Page 12 - issue-27

News
CMA calls for urgent review of Cmotorway debris clearance
ffflaims Management & costs associated Adjusting (CMA) has called with closing a
on Highways England to carriageway are
urgently review the arrangements for clearing debris from UK motorways following a worrying rise in “swerve to avoid” and “tyre blowout” related claims.
Have you noticed more burst tyres, bits of vehicle trim or dead animals on our motorways recently?
Part of the explanation is the zero carriageway crossings policy adopted by Highways England in 2011, designed to protect the lives of contractor employees.
But CMA says Highways England contractors’ reluctance to incur traffic management costs is exacerbating the danger for road users.
Managing Director of CMA, Philip Swift, said: “We are extremely concerned at the increasing number of cases involving drivers swerving to avoid debris and fear it is only
a matter of time before someone gets killed. Highways England contractors are paid a lump sum
to provide barrier repairs, gully clearance and litter removal, but the
a disincentive to removing larger items like burst tyres.
“Even if a Highways Agency Traffic Officer (HATO) or contractor does attend, there can be
a tendency to
kick the problem to the side of the road, and that puts lives at risk from secondary factors.
For example, shards from disintegrating debris can cause punctures, which result in collisions. Debris can also impede drainage, leading to standing water, aquaplaning and crashes.
“Safety is the paramount issue here, but there is a financial aspect to it as well. We find ourselves in the crazy situation where Highways England contractors are presenting claims for barrier repairs potentially caused by debris they are
responsible for clearing. This irony is often compounded by a debris clearance charge being lumped in with the repair cost and an invoice being presented to either the driver or their insurer.
“That is frankly astounding given the clearance task has already been paid for by Highways England, yet we see it happening ever more frequently.”
l If you think you might have been a victim of this behaviour contact CMA on 0845 3888 810 or email claims@cmaclaims.co.uk
ffffffKeep your vehicles and business moving in snowy weather
UK snow is occasional, so it’s not a legal requirement in the UK to carry snowchains or to fit winter tyres.
But when the snow does come, even if only for a day, it can be very disruptive, losing you time and letting your customers down.
It makes sense to have a back- up solution, tucked away in your vehicles for use as required.
AutoSock tyre socks are ideal for short term use, to get vehicles moving again. They work in snow, slush or on ice, using specially developed textiles to maximise the dry friction contact with the road.
Fitting is easy and obvious,
requiring no special training. Unpack the folded AutoSock, shake them out and stretch one over each driving wheel, covering about two-thirds of the wheel.
Then move the vehicle forward or back a half revolution and lift the
rest of the AutoSock over the top of each wheel; they’re held in place with elastic.
AutoSock are reusable time and again. Dry them out after use and put them back in their bag for next time.
AutoSock are the original snow socks, and
still the best value for money, with prices starting at £49.95 a pair.
l See page 30 for more details
12 TVD lssue 27 2016