Facebook debate: Should councils pay for pothole damage?

THE Star's Facebook readers have been debating the merits of Bettina Ryan's claim Lismore City Council should pay for damage caused by an 'unavoidable' pothole.

Bettina Ryan damaged her car when she hit a pothole on Coraki Rd, South Gundurimba, at base of MacMahons Rd. Picture: Cathy Adams

AFTER The Northern Star ran a story about local woman Bettina Ryan wanting Lismore City Council to pay for damages to her car after she hit a pothole at South Gundurimba, readers have given their two cents on the matter.

Some agreed with Bettina's plight.

>> 'Gigantor' pothole wrecked my car, now I want council to pay

Vincent Marychurch said he believes council should be given 48 hours to fix reported potholes.

"After that time I think it would be fair for them to be held responsible," Vincent said.

Colby Radcliffe said this particular pothole was really bad and reappears every time it rains.

"They get so deep and dangerous that I'm not surprised this has happened," Colby said.

Post by The Northern Star.

Barry Robinson said if it was the responsibility of the local council to maintain the roads, a driver should not have to take evasive action which could cause an accident.

"The Council has a duty of care to the users of its roads to ensure safe travel through roads which are deemed their responsibility."

Carryl Hobday said she knew how Bettina felt: "I had to replace all the rims on my Getz. Have had cars all my life. Never had problems till I lived in Lismore."

However others raised some issues.

Bruce Harvey said it was the driver's responsibility to "make sure they can stop or avoid anything in front of them."

Achilles Troy added: "There's a reason that people have four wheel drives in the country. Leave the little plastic city cars for the city and buy yourself something suitable for rural driving."

Katherine Moyes said: "The Council can only do so much with the (funds) they receive."

Craig Greaves agreed: "Do you know how big an area the LCC has to maintain? Or how many roads we have. Even if they had twice the money and did twice the road work, with all the water pushing the roads up ATM it wouldn't make a difference any way. Don't speed down dodgy roads and complain when you wreck your car," Craig said.

Marie Nelson said: "Take it on the chin. Let's not be part of the blame game."