Potholes continue to blight the landscape

The government-commissioned Transport Scotland data reveals that only 40 per cent of motorists are happy with the condition of trunk roads and motorways – showing a gradual decline over the past six years, with the same survey from 2006 revealing over half of drivers satisfied.

Scotland has 2,000 miles of trunk roads, carrying 37 per cent of the country’s traffic. Although these roads are – according to a recent Audit Scotland report – in better condition than council-owned streets, more than a fifth are marked down as in unacceptable condition.

This week’s survey shows that 75 per cent of complaints received from motorists were about potholes – a concern which Extra readers have echoed on Facebook and Twitter.

However, despite the pothole blight, the Transport Scotland survey shows some improvement in public opinion, with over 50 per cent of respondents happy with gritting services – up from 39 per cent in the previous year.

Results also showed an improvement in issues such as road lighting, markings and signage, as well as a decrease in the number of defects which drivers said makes them feel unsafe from the 2011 figures.

Transport minister Keith Brown said: “These surveys, combined with our independent audits of our operating companies, help us target our efforts at aspects of our service delivery that fails to meet public expectations. They also enable us to recognise a job well done and build upon this as part of our continuous improvement”.

Are potholes – or other road problems – an issue in your area? Share your thoughts by emailing [email protected].