Compensatory payments totalling over £1 million have been paid out to drivers within the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council area in the last year.
The figure of exactly £1,075,962 of taxpayers’ money has been issued as compensation to drivers overall, with 80% of those claims a result of “pothole-related damage”.
Calling the astronomical total “outrageous”, Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has launched a Northern Ireland-wide petition to challenge the Infrastructure Minister, saying simply “enough is enough”.
Citing the figures as published by The Newsletter, the MP said: “Over a million pounds lost, not spent improving roads, but handed out because of neglect and failure to maintain the basics.
“Suspension damage, injuries, tyre blowouts and it’s getting worse.
“This isn’t just poor management. It’s a total failure to deliver.”
Recognising the impact on constituents, the MP added: “Drivers in Upper Bann are being forced to pay the price twice!”
Ms Lockhart has promised to continuously raise the issues until “we get action, not just talk”.
Calling for urgent road repairs, ring-fenced funding and accountability from those responsible Ms Lockhart, she has launched a petition demanding “immediate action” from the Infrastructure Minister, Liz Kimmins.
The petition reads: “As your local MP, I’ve reported hundreds of dangerous roads and helped many residents whose vehicles have been damaged due to poor road conditions. Despite paying road taxes, people are still facing unsafe journeys, damaged cars, and daily frustration.
“The roads across Northern Ireland are in an unacceptable state. Potholes and crumbling surfaces are not just inconvenient, they’re dangerous. Claims for vehicle damage are rising fast, and it’s clear our road network has been neglected for too long.
“The Infrastructure Minister must make safe, reliable roads a top priority. We need increased funding for maintenance, a proper resurfacing programme, and regular inspections to stop small problems becoming major hazards.
“Sign this petition to demand urgent investment in fixing and resurfacing Northern Ireland’s roads. Safer roads will protect lives, reduce costs, and support local communities and businesses.”
She adds that – whilst the statistic for the ABC borough alone is shocking – it is a nationwide problem and, as such, the figures are even more dire when taking the country’s claims into view.
“Over the last five years, Stormont has paid out £20.6 million in claims. Plus another £12.1 million in legal costs. That’s a hard-t0-ignore £32.7 million in total,” she continued.
The MP’s petition covers the entirety of Northern Ireland and she encourages all those who are “sick of excuses” to sign today.
