HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. (WCBS 880) — Complaints are mounting across Long Island about the growing number of potholes on the roadways.
On Monday, six cars lined up in a row in North Bellmore after every driver said they hit the same pothole and got a flat tire on the Southern State Parkway.
Nicholas Byrne says he hit the pothole late Monday evening and his BMW sustained two flat tires from the impact.
“They're not being filled in time; they just being left. It's expensive and I probably spent four hours at the side of the road last night waiting for a tow truck,” Byrne told WCBS 880’s Sophia Hall.
“I actually thought it might have been more than just two tires, I actually thought at one point it was all of the tires because the pothole was so big,” he adds.
Town of Hempstead Supervisor Don Clavin tells WCBS 880 he understands there is a lot of confusion surrounding how to report a pothole because many are unsure if it is a county, town or state roadway.
“We monitor our Facebook and Twitter accounts in the town and when people make a complaint, if it's our road, we'll get the crews out there and if not, we’ll forwarded it to the other municipality,” Clavin said.
Nassau County Executive Laura Curran also notes that there are resources available to help.
“You go to NassauCountyNY.gov/myroads, you can find out exactly who is responsible and how to get in touch with that jurisdiction,” she explains.
A spokesperson for the state Department of Transportation also notes drivers can call 1-800- POTHOLE to report damage to state-owned highways.
"The safety of the traveling public is always our top priority. NYSDOT maintenance crews work aggressively to address potholes as they develop," the spokesperson said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Nassau County and the Town of Hempstead already have a small claims division for drivers to report incidents to if they get a flat tire because of a pothole on the roadway.
Related
Stay informed, stay connected — follow WCBS 880 on Facebook and Twitter. Download the RADIO.COM app + favorite WCBS 880 for breaking news, traffic and weather alerts.