Pothole mayhem and what to do
One of many potholes on Balnarring Road
Potholes are causing major concerns for local drivers. Drivers are swerving to miss them. Some even changing their normal routes to avoid known hazards. Wheels and tyres can be destroyed by potholes and there is a danger of serious accidents.
The recent death of 71 year-old motorcyclist Peter ‘Tiki’ Mason after hitting a pothole on Western Highway near Ballarat has brought home just how serious an issue this is.
So, if you encounter a pothole, here is how to report it.
It is important to understand that each local road may be managed by either the state government’s VicRoads or the Mornington Peninsula Shire (MPS).
The easiest way to determine this is to view this link to VicRoads managed roads: Transport Victoria roads - Mornington Peninsula Shire.
If the pothole is on one of these roads, then report it via this link: Submit a report or enquiry to Transport Victoria : VicRoads.
For urgent roads hazards ring: 131170.
If the pothole is not listed on the list of Transport Victoria roads, then report it to the Shire using the Create Customer Request link, or by ringing 1300 850 600, or emailing customerservice@mornpen.vic.gov.au.
If you are still unsure, use Snap Send Solve, an app which allows you to capture details with app features such as image capture and geo location tracking.
You will need to download the app onto your mobile phone. Just snap a photo and add a description. The correct road authority will be contacted.
Recently SCA secretary David Day got a flat tyre when he drove into a pothole on Balnarring Road and reported it to MPS. This is his account of what happened next: “We received a response stating ‘refer your concern to Transport Victoria,’ which we did. We reported to Transport Victoria and received a response suggesting we would receive a response within seven working days. We got nothing back, but can report that particular pothole was repaired within a week. Good luck out there!”