The Queensland Liaison Officer of the National Motorists Association Australia Inc. today heralded a recent High Court decision as “A victory for motorists throughout Australia.”

Mr Wright applauded the 4-3 decision overturning an old legal rule protecting authorities from legal liability when their lack of road maintenance results in motor vehicle crashes.

Truck driver Scott Andrew Brodie successfully sued the Singleton Shire Council for personal injuries and damage to his cement truck resulting from the truck crashing into a bridge. The Council had not properly inspected the bridge and their maintenance had created a superficial appearance of safety.

The High Court judges held that the anomalous distinctions in cases in the area between when authorities are and aren’t liable led to uncertainty and provoked rather than settled litigation.

Mr Wright said that the profound success of the Black Spot Program in reducing crashes makes it clear that road crashes don’t happen in a vacuum. “Safer roads really do save lives. It is clear from cases such as Mr Brodie’s that roads which are not properly maintained can contribute to fairly serious situations. Those responsible should pay for the damage they caused” he asserted.

“Road safety can only benefit if everyone involved shoulders responsibility for their contributions to road crashes. Our organization fully supports the High Court decision”said Mr Wright.