I was contacted a couple of months ago by a Gravesend driver of a classic Reliant Scimitar who had damaged his gearbox on one of the many humps installed in Thong Lane, Gravesend. It seemed a lack of maintenance by Kent Highway Services on this twelve year old hump had caused the road to subside on one side, therefore the hump was higher than the prescribed regulations.

He had badly damaged his car, despite creeping over it slowly the car still 'grounded'.  He wrote to complain and after about four weeks got a letter (probable a standard letter?) refusing his claim.  He then responded again and eventually his claim was re-considered and met.

          In cases like these, gather evidence immediately, even with a cheap disposable camera and do not accept first refusal or offer, keep after them.

         According to the Kentish Express newspaper, between April 2004 and March 2006 Kent County Council paid out £500,000 in compensation to pedestrians and motorists for similar claims.

Submitted by Terry Hudson