MSP demands action to tackle potholes
Highlands and Islands MSP Donald Cameron is demanding action from SNP ministers after it was revealed that the number of potholes being reported in Scotland has risen by five times since the SNP took office in 2007.
In 2007 just 3981 potholes were reported. By 2020-21, that figure was more than 5 times higher at 20,988 potholes over the last year.
The Scottish Conservative MSP said: “I am not in the least surprised to learn of the dramatic increase in complaints about the condition of our roads. Here in Argyll and Bute, we also have the ongoing problem of The Rest and Be Thankful to contend with, as well as potholes and crumbling verges."
“We badly need to see action from the SNP, and I very much hope that they seriously consider the Scottish Conservative proposal of a £200 million Pothole Fund over the course of the Parliament.”
Councillor Bobby Good (Dunoon Ward), Argyll and Bute Council’s Depute Policy Lead for Roads and Infrastructure Services, added: “Rural councils like Argyll and Bute have an enormous challenge to maintain the road network compared to Central Belt authorities. If we are to get on top of this problem we really do need to see more help from the Scottish Government, rather than yet more rounds of cuts to our budget."
“A dedicated fund would be a very good way of helping us to address the backlog of work that needs to be carried out.”
The briefing from SPICE on local Government funding is here:
