Drivers needing new wheels and realignments after hitting potholes on Wagga roads have been told by council they don’t stand a chance of redress unless local government was previously aware of the exact pothole that caused the damage.

Wagga City Council general manager Alan Eldridge confirmed council does have a database of potholes across Wagga, but it was not accessible to the public, despite it being primarily populated by the city’s residents. 

“Unless (the council says) the claim is not valid, anyone who applies for compensation will be referred to our insurance company for consideration,” Mr Eldridge said.

“At the end of the day it comes down to driver responsibility (to avoid potholes and report them to council).”

Stay-at-home mother of three Sonia Hare argued it was not residents’ responsibility to make council aware of roads in disrepair, rather council staff should be out surveying the crumbling surfaces themselves. 

“I was driving down Copland Street with a truck up my backside and another truck coming the other way, so I had no choice but to hit a massive pothole,” she said.

“It’s going to cost around $400 to fix two buckled rims and get a wheel alignment and until then I have to drive extra cautiously so I don't have an accident with my kids in the car.

“I rang Wagga council and emailed them photos of the pothole, but they pretty well said because they didn't know about the pothole prior to me hitting it, they are not responsible for any of the repairs.

“My husband’s not on a big wage at all and we don't have the money to pay for all this, but council won’t even contribute a partial payment.

“The way I see it; it’s council’s job to keep the roads in good condition and whether they know about a pothole or not shouldn’t vary their responsibility.”

Another Wagga motorist, Rebecca Costello, hit a pothole near the roundabout at Pearson Street and Dobney Avenue, but again council denied knowledge of its existence and refused to contribute to the repair bill.

“I hit a pothole near Bunnings and heard a loud bang, then the the car started pulling and swerving and it turns out the wheel is damaged,” Ms Costello said.

“I don’t have the money yet to replace the wheel, but because council didn't know about the pothole on the road, they won't fix it.”

Mr Eldridge said a number of spotters were monitoring the roads, but the public needs to report any potholes they see them.

“The number of incidents reported has been pretty minimal, considering (the abnormal weather),” he said.

“We’ll never be able to stop (potholes), but we have to remain vigilant.”

Mr Eldridge said calling council and abusing staff was not the way to resolve any issue.

“Staff are doing the best they can,” he said.

“Road rage around potholes won’t help the issue.”

Wagga mayor Rod Kendall dismissed suggestions council should pay for damage and urged residents to report potholes.

“My understanding is council doesn't have a liability for damage caused by road conditions, but we do take it seriously and that's why the general manager has put significant resources into making sure we stay on top of filling potholes,” Cr Kendall said.

“Ratepayers and drivers can play an active role in helping minimise the number of potholes by reporting them.

“Weather permitting, if motorists report a pothole on a busy road, it's generally repaired in a day or two.”