Thanks, Sallyann- very helpful and sensitive Take a look at the pics- I stopped the car within a few yards of the grid. I didn't even brake hard- just gently slowed to a stop. If I'd been going fast I certainly wouldn't have been able to do this. I also wouldn't go fast over a cattle grid. Period. Especially with my wife and baby in the car!!!

Andy, I honestly wasn't trying to offend, particularly after such an expensive incident. It's just that if the grid was so seriously dipped I would have expected it to be surrounded by bits from every car that crossed it, and there didn't seem to be anything else apart from yours. Sorry!

Sal

Thanks- no worries.

While we were waiting, we watched a lot of other cars going over it and most of them were very close to catching on it. The front bumper of the vRS is pretty low, but not that low. I dread to think what would happen if we'd been in the Corrado (which is significantly lowered). I would be extremely surprised if it hadn't happened to someone else.

Unlucky Dude - hope you get it sorted out soon.

Man that sux - must remember that :eek: as my car is fairly low too.

Hope you can get it back on the road soon

Thanks guys

Went back today to gather some more evidence for my claim from the Council. Here's some pics:

Your piece of timber isn't straight. Go home and get a spirit level, then measure it.

Jeepers - that is some dip.

And, sorry I didn't commiserate the other night - was too busy making sure I got the point about wood / ruler across (might have been a bit of alcohol distracting me too).

Horrible experience for your family.

Jaysus thats a joke, be sure to follow that up.

Thanks guys- car was taken away for assessment/repair today. We're awaiting some claim forms in the post from Gloucestershire County Council/Highways. Don't really see how they can get out of it, but I'm sure they'll try.

When we went back I was shocked to see the speed limit on the road is 15mph- dread to think what would have happened had I been doing that speed!

Don't really see how they can get out of it, but I'm sure they'll try.

That's what I thought when I tried to claim compensation from my local council. Then their lawyers started talking about statutory defence and about how you have to prove the council was negligent - which is harder than it sounds.

Good luck with the claim though mate, must've been a hell of a shock having that happen to your car.

Perhaps you ought to take a zoomed in and out picture using a large spirit level to prove you are measuring true rather than at an angle.

I would also find out if anyone has reported it as a problem before from the locals etc.

I used to work for the other side , i was a fleet manager for a council and often ended up with insurance claims for potholes etc on my desk.

You are doing the right thing , you just need to nag them and keep on top of it.

It can and will takes ages otherwise

The photos were a great idea , councils have a habit of fixing the problem quickly and then arguing it was as bad as made out, i've seen them do that with potholes many times

*ouch* not too bad though, at least it can be sorted

Ouch!!.

Out of interest, did you do the black grill yourself?

Hi guys. Got her back last week- they've done an excellent job and she's looking minty again. Spotless inside, too

Council are taking their time- apparently they've had loads of claims recently and we're near the bottom. They also only have one person to deal with them all...

apinner got as far as priming it myself, but had a Milotec one too, so got them professionally done at the same time. I would do it myself in the future.

Need to put the eyebrows back on!

Council are taking their time- apparently they've had loads of claims recently and we're near the bottom. They also only have one person to deal with them all...

Contact them again and remind them that that is not your problem. They should settle your claim in a resonable time frame. Remind them that you will be claiming for the full amount of repair, the costs of persuing them (both time and materials involved) and interest at n% above the Bank of England base rate.

Alternativly, have a look at starting a small claims court action against them.