Luton Road, Dunstable, LU5 4LG, 310 Luton Road

Central Bedfordshire Council Highways Claims Team

I wish to report a defective carriageway surface and submit details regarding vehicle damage caused by the defect.

Location of defect: Luton Road near the Skimpot Roundabout, outside/near 310 Luton Road, Dunstable, LU5 4LG.

Coordinates: 51.89077° N, 0.48812° W

Description of defect: The carriageway surface contains a sunken and deteriorated reinstatement positioned within the wheel track of the live traffic lane. The surface contains abrupt level changes, broken edges and loose aggregate across a substantial section of the carriageway. The defect appears to be a failed utility reinstatement or deteriorated road repair.

The defect is located in a position that is difficult to avoid safely due to normal traffic flow and lane positioning near the Skimpot Roundabout.

Incident details: While travelling along Luton Road near the Skimpot Roundabout, my vehicle struck the defective section of carriageway. Due to the positioning of the defect within the wheel track, it was not reasonably avoidable without moving into adjacent traffic.

Although the defect may previously have been assessed as below intervention threshold, the condition of the carriageway was nevertheless sufficient to cause impact damage to a vehicle travelling normally within the lane.

Vehicle damage sustained: The impact caused damage to the alloy wheel rim on my vehicle. The vehicle is fitted with low-profile 235/35 ZR19 tyres, making it particularly susceptible to impact damage from abrupt and uneven road surface defects.

Damage observed includes:

* Impact damage and gouging to the alloy wheel rim * Abrupt compression impact consistent with striking a defective road surface

Evidence available: I have photographs and video evidence showing:

* The location and condition of the road defect * The dimensions and surface condition of the failed carriageway section * Vehicles reacting to the uneven road surface * Damage sustained to the vehicle wheel

I have also identified a previous public report for this defect on the Central Bedfordshire Council reporting system. The council’s update confirms that the defect was inspected and known to the authority prior to my incident, but that no repair works were undertaken as the defect was considered below intervention threshold at that time.

I would request that the council:

1. Investigate the condition of the carriageway at this location 2. Confirm whether this defect has previously been reported or inspected 3. Provide details of any prior maintenance, inspection records or planned repairs relating to this section of road 4. Advise on the process for pursuing reimbursement for vehicle damage caused by this defective carriageway surface

Please confirm receipt of this report and provide the appropriate claim reference number and next steps.

Yours faithfully,

Danyal Sheraz 32 Richmomd Drive 07731449532 DanyalSheraz@outlook.com