Man loses 'full day's wage' after pothole bursts tyre

19 December 2023 , 10:58

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The pothole cost James a day's wages (Image: supplied)

A driver has spoken of his frustration after a 'massive' pothole burst his tyre, causing him to lose a full day's wage.

James, an electrician from Selkirk, was driving through Edinburgh for work when he heard a loud 'bang' and had to pull over. James told Edinburgh Live: "It was about 6.30am and there were huge puddles everywhere and the pothole was completely covered by one so I couldn't see it. I wouldn't have been going over 20 miles per hour, there's loads of traffic lights up there but you're lucky if you can even get to 20mph."

"It was really wet too, so I tend to drive slowly in conditions like this. But as I was driving, I heard this huge bang. Then I noticed the steering wheel was pulling left. I had to stop the car and saw that the tyre was down. I nursed it to a service station about half a mile away. But that didn't open until around 8am so I was just waiting for them.

"The guy offered a budget tyre available at £68, and they were really helpful, but by the time it was all done and dusted it was 10.30am. I had to call my boss and I lost a day's wages. I had lost the job and had to turn back around and drive back to the Borders. I just felt flat. I had come up here for four hours just to have to come home."

"I don't know what other damage has been done to the car, so I do want to get it checked out. But these costs all add up, with the tyre and lost wages, I'm looking at £700 gone because of this pothole." The 67 year old added: "That area can get really busy, and the pothole isn't tucked away near the kerb. If you can't drive into the other lane, you're going to go over it. I can't imagine what it would do to cyclists!"

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The large pothole has now been filled (No credit)

It is understood that the pothole at the junction at Cameron Toll has now been filled. James, who shares the car with his son Greg, made a claim with Edinburgh council after what happened. Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, commented: "The council has a robust risk based approach in place for the maintenance of the city's roads. All claims received are investigated fully and independently of the Council, and we are unable to comment on ongoing claims."

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Katie Williams