The South African National Roads Agency said on Tuesday that motorists whose cars have been damaged on highways under construction must claim from the contractors involved.

Roads and highways in and around Johannesburg were being upgraded to help alleviate congestion and improve traffic flow ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, but many motorists have had their windows cracked or their cars chipped by loose stones on the roads,

Sanral's Alex van Niekerk said they were not responsible for any damage or loss caused by road works, but motorists could claim from the contractors.

"If the motorist does not know who is the contractor responsible for working on that section, the motorist must obtain as much information about the location," said van Niekerk.