MSP calls on Scottish Government to look into pothole problems
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Highlands and Islands MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston is demanding action from Scottish 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.
The Scottish Conservative politician said figures reveal that in 2007 just 3981 potholes were reported.
By 2020-21, he pointed out that figure was more than five times higher at 20,988 potholes over the last year.
Mr Johnston said: “It will come as no surprise to anyone who travels around the Highlands and Islands that the number of complaints about potholes has sky-rocketed.
“Much of this is due to local authorities cutting their budgets for road maintenance in response to unfair funding cuts imposed on them by the SNP Government at Holyrood.
“This has led to a huge backlog in road repairs which is now beyond the resources of the councils to cope with.
“In the meantime motorists are reduced to trying to swerve round potholes which could be a danger to themselves as well as to other road-users, as well as causing unnecessary damage to their vehicles.
“The Scottish Conservatives have proposed a £200 million Pothole Fund over the course of the parliament and I very much hope the SNP will put politics to one side and adopt our solution.
"There is certainly no lack of funds for them to draw on.”
