Island Life Magazine Ltd June/July 2008 | Page 111

MOTORING Potholes of gold! Crumbling roads across the Island has led to a dramatic increase in the number of claims from motorists against the IW Council for damages. A report Cabinet said there were 140 claims in 2005/6 and 176 in 2006/7. However, the projected costs of these claims is not directly related to volume and is currently estimated at approximately £134,000 for the 2005/6 claims, £219,000 for the 2006/7 claims and £277,000 for the 2007/8 claims. The rate of repudiation of claims received has been 83.7 per cent for claims received in 2005/6; 73.1 per cent for claims received in 2006/7 and currently stands at 51.3 per cent in respect of those claims received in 2007/8, said the report which went to Cabinet in May. Better news for motorists is earlier this year the council won £325 million government private finance initiative (PFI) to improve its road network. IW Council leader Cllr David Pugh said he was delighted with the £325 million, as it was what had been requested. He said, "residents have repeatedly told us the need to improve our roads is a high priority and we are pleased the government has recognised our needs." "The IW has a road network of 800km of principal roads and work is programmed to start in three years' time. Transport minister, Rosie Winterton, said, "Better -quality roads mean safer and quicker journeys. This will benefit all road users, whether they are motorists, bus users, pedestrians or cyclists. "Communities with better roads also attract significant new investment, boosting local economies. What do you think? email: [email protected] www.wightfrog.com/islandlife life Happy torque with the Hyundai i10 You somehow know the Hyundai i10 is going to be your friend, even before you step into it. Of course it represents amazing value, but it isn’t that. It looks stylish without being too precious. Functional, but you wouldn’t want to use that word about a friend. The i10 has been a runaway success for Wight Motors in Sandown since its launch. So much so that orders are being taken now for September. People come for a test drive because they’ve heard the car qualifies for road tax at just £35 a year, that on the Island gives them free parking in Council car parks and should they take it to central London (and it is raring to go) you’ll be exempt from the congestion charge. But it’s not those things that will sell them the car. Compared to other “budget” cars you get a lot more thrown in. Air conditioning and disc breaks are standard: electric windows, four air bags and central locking, too. Take it one stage on, to the i30, and you miss out on the cheap road-tax deal but you do get a sunroof and heated front seats. It’s nicely laid out inside, the gear stick in easy reach. Plenty of cup-holders make for an easy life and the ashtray, a sort of lidded beaker, comes out completely, revealing another drink-holder. Get it on the road and it really is your friend. It