M3, Manhole cover, Smashed sump, WITH PICS

[dusty23]

Probably worth dipping your fingers in some lines of contacts to see if you do have a claim. The issue is not only the manhole cover but the actual state of the road.

I also hope you informed the appropriate authorities that you've left both an environmental disaster and a hazard to other road users on the road

Called them and let them know so they could clear up the oil spill. Lots of learner drivers around there, don't want to cause an accident

[hennared323i]

They will probably fine you now for an environmental issue

Shame it wasn't in Newham, I have some contacts there

[dusty23]

And here's the money shot

[Gert_8]

Wow. Looks like you got away with just a wrecked sump

[kitch]

Holy shit that's bad!

[dusty23]

Let's hope so! Will start investigations tomorrow.

Yeah it's a big fucking hole!

[harry_p]

I bet that made a bit of a bang

[kitch]

I smashed my sump, whole wasn't as bad as that bud I didn't realise straight away and drove for a little while. Granted it was only a m20b20, but it was fine still. So hopefully yours is fine.

[dusty23]

Fuck me it made a big noise!

It drained 6 litres of oil in about 10 secs!

Fingers crossed it should be alright.

[Rich2388]

Bloody hell, that is an ultimate piss take! I would be on the war path if it was me. Lovely motor by the way, and good luck getting it sorted.

[Funnybear]

Not being an arse here. Just offering something that would probably be told to you by the council.

That looks storm water/sewer too my eyes. (I word for a power company, we like digging up roads) So it's probably under the remit of Thames Water. Also, what they will also say is that it's the road that has dropped, not the manhole cover thats moved.

Thats probably your best bet in that rather than pursueing the 'manhole', investigate whether the road is in a fit state or not. Trying to get Thames Water, The council, contractors and any other Joe Bloggs who might be passing by the office one tuesday morning to come to some sort of agreement will be nigh on impossible.

I hope you do have some luck, someone somewhere might just give you the money for repair. But that won't change the state of the road. That won't be done untill it's resurfaced, and even then, thats one hell of a camber/subsidence to compensate for.

[dusty23]

Thanks for the info. So if the road has dropped which it has, isn't the council liable for that?

[Speedtouch]

Highways agency, perhaps...

[kam-325i]

Highways agency, perhaps...

Not Highways Agency, they are only responsible for the Motorways and major A/Trunk Roads. This road would be under the (lack of) control of the local Council/Authority.

It looks like that whatever was used to backfill the manhole chamber has sunk.