Time for some action on potholes to avoid accidents

Potholes can kill. Our health and safety laws are truly an ass. Surely our legislators realise that potholes cause tyre sidewall rupture.

In turn, a rupture can lead to total tyre failure and potential injury or loss of life. It is not difficult to visualise a motorway tyre blow out at 120km/h and loss of vehicular control. Again, the law is truly an ass because, if someone trips in my driveway, I am liable.

Public Transport Minister Alan Kelly was quoted (Irish Examiner, Feb 15) as saying: “We are looking at changes in relation to how funding for roads will be administered by local authorities.”

Minister Kelly added that the issue will be discussed at cabinet level.

If anyone from the Cabinet reads this, perhaps you could make a start by “permitting” Cork County Council (or any council) to at least compensate individuals for loss of tyres. Alternatively, it would be prudent for Government to seek the opinion of tyre industry experts in the interest of public health and safety.

John Stack

Crosshaven

Cork