Pothole damage among reasons for heritage coach sale

On the eve of a report which says that potholes have never been so bad on Britain’s roads, the former owner of a historic vehicle has said that this was among reasons he sold the Bedford J2.

Steve Dine, MD of Empress of Hastings, told Bus & Coach Buyer that the much-loved 18-seat midicoach was suffering increasing  wear as a result of the appalling condition of the roads in East Sussex: “The roads are so grim they look like they belong in Beirut,” said Steve. “It’s constant punishment for the coach, which has narrower axle width than its sister coach.”

Concerned that it would have a harder life than it should, Steve also knew that Safeguard’s centenary was coming us and said the Bedford J2, with Plaxton Embassy bodywork would be going to a good home… with better maintained roads: “In fact, the coach was originally acquired by Safeguard with the purchase of Cookes, so it’s going home.”

A survey of Britain’s roads shows that less than half are rated ‘good’ and 17% ‘poor’ – a level of deterioration which hasn’t been seen since 2016. A total of £16.3bn is needed to bring the roads back to standard, with drivers across the UK reporting vehicle damage. Road users can claim for pothole damage if a careful and accurate record is made of the location and time the damage occurred.