Almost two thirds of the 23,600 pothole repairs in Fife last year were considered temporary.
Fife Council has been accused of papering over the cracks after revealing just 8,354 holes were given high quality, permanent patches in 2018/19.
A further 15,300 were described as being done to a lower spec, despite a local authority policy of providing permanent repair to potholes at the first time of asking.
Liberal Democrat councillor Jonny Tepp said he and his colleagues received a high number of complaints from constituents, concerned the state of the region’s roads was damaging their cars.
He said cyclists were also at particular risk.
“The fact is, there are not enough resources being diverted to ensuring our roads are fit for purpose,” he said.
“Many people have contacted me and, I’m sure, many other councillors about pothole repairs being inadequate.”
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Mr Tepp said one of the three written exceptions to council policy of permanent repairs was if officers were dealing with a very large volume of potholes and quality had to be sacrificed to ensure a quick response in the interests of public safety.
“My argument would be if we filled them properly they would be less likely to reopen in bad weather,” he said.
“The roads budget has been under increasing pressure and took another big hit this year.
“I know our roads are deteriorating and the council is papering over the cracks.”
Fife Council’s transportation convener, Councillor Altany Craik, said the service was complying with the policy implemented in 2005.
He said a pilot study would be carried out later this year to examine possible changes to the way repairs were done.
“This should both increase the number of higher quality, permanent pothole repairs that can be carried out and reduce response times,” he said.
Last year, Mr Craik revealed the council was fixing an average of 450 potholes per week.
The council said it aimed to respond to reports of potholes within five working days and carry out emergency road repairs within 24 hours.
