Council bosses have pledged to step up a blitz on potholes by reversing a controversial decision to only carry out repairs on craters more than two-and-a-half inches deep.
The new Tory-led administration at Perth and Kinross has announced it will scrap a cash-saving policy introduced by previous SNP leaders last year.
The then-council changed its official definition of pothole, meaning they had to measure at least 60mm before they were eligible for repairs.
Council leader Ian Campbell said he wants to revert to the national standard of 40mm.
It follows a new study which showed pothole-related damage to cars across the UK has surged at the start of the year, despite a dry and mild winter.
Mr Campbell said: “The last administration in Perth and Kinross Council quietly increased the depth at which potholes would be repaired to 60mm or more. This was a blatant attempt to save money by reducing the number of potholes they actually repaired, but as we all know, it became a nightmare for local motorists.”
He added: “I also believe it was a move in the wrong direction in terms of road safety. Deeper potholes are dangerous for motorbikes and bicycles and can also prove an issue for car drivers who get caught out by potholes, particularly in the dark.”
He said the new administration aimed to tackle the issue “robustly” by getting rid of the 60mm rule.
“We will revert to the new 40mm national standard and ensure that our teams will respond to all requests for pothole repairs both quickly and efficiently,” Mr Campbell said. “I know that our staff are more than up to the challenge and I am sure communities will soon notice the difference.”
Scottish councils spend around £1,400 a day on pothole compensation claims.
Perth and Kinross Council paid out more than £80,000 over a five-year period.
At the time of the policy change, a council spokesman stressed that repairs would be undertaken in “inherently dangerous circumstances” as part of a risk assessment approach.
RAC chief engineer David Bizley said the average cost of pothole repairs in Scotland was just over £109.
“Certainly anyone that has experienced a breakdown as a result of hitting a pothole will know just how frustrating that can be, not to say dangerous and expensive if damage to their vehicle is sustained,” he said.
Local Tory MSP Murdo Fraser added: “Under the SNP administration pot-holes grew into caverns but now with the Conservatives in charge, we are focusing on improving the area’s pitted road surfaces which is something that I’m sure all motorists and businesses will appreciate.”
