Scotland’s roads have more holes than Swiss Cheese

Scottish Liberal Democrat communities spokesperson Willie Rennie has today said that the new Transport Secretary must tackle Scotland’s crumbling roads as he revealed that the number of potholes on Scotland’s trunk roads fixed last year fell below 10,000.

In response to a parliamentary question from Mr Rennie, former Transport minister Jenny Gilruth revealed that 9,679 potholes were fixed in 2021/22, down from 13,354 in 2017/18.

Commenting on the figures, Mr Rennie said:

“Scotland’s trunk roads have more holes than Swiss cheese.

“In the past the cost of repairing all of Scotland’s roads has been estimated at well north of a billion pounds. It’s not just frustrating to drivers, it’s dangerous too.

“While we should be encouraging people to move towards more environmentally friendly means of transport where possible, across vast swathes of Scotland there is still no alternative to the car. Road users pay vast sums in tax, they deserve to rely on smooth and well-maintained roads.

“The new Transport Secretary must ensure that Scotland’s trunk roads are not allowed to fall into disrepair.”