RAC comments on Audit Scotland report on roads

Commenting on a report released today by Audit Scotland on the state of roads in Scotland, RAC roads policy spokesman Nick Lyes said:

“This report provides stark evidence that roads authorities in Scotland, both locally and nationally, are spending less on road maintenance with 57% of road users saying that road condition is a major concern. The RAC’s latest Report on Motoring revealed that for almost one in five Scottish motorists (19%), the state of local roads was their number one concern – the joint highest in the UK.

“The RAC has also revealed this week that pothole-related breakdowns in Scotland are higher than anywhere else in the UK, an indication that road surfaces continue to be a major problem. Poorly maintained roads can result in expensive repair bills for motorists and businesses and can be detrimental to economic growth.

“This report makes a number of sensible recommendations for roads authorities, however the poor condition of Scottish roads is a matter of national importance. We therefore urge the Scottish Government to consider creating a designated roads fund to provide councils funding over a long-term period to assist them in planning their road maintenance programmes more effectively, rather than relying on cheaper options that in the long term prove to be a false economy.”