Council chiefs in Perth and Kinross were last night accused of showing “an alarming lack of foresight,” after a report appeared to reveal more than a third of the area’s roads require “repair or investigation.”
Statistics issued by the Scottish Government classified 35% of the region’s A-class routes as “red” or “amber,” meaning maintenance is recommended.
Meanwhile, 35% of B-class roads and 32% of C-class roads had also deteriorated to the extent where repairs or investigation is necessary.
Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser branded the statistics alarming and called for action.
However, he said the news would come as little surprise to local motorists.
Mr Fraser said, “The people of Perth and Kinross who drive on the local road network already know that the state of some stretches of road means they need urgent attention.”
He added that the weather will do nothing to improve the situation.
Mr Fraser said, “During the recent severe weather, our roads will have taken a battering. As such, it is even more concerning that over a third of the road network already required maintenance before the snow and ice hit.
“Letting roads deteriorate to this level can only lead to greater long-term costs, especially as businesses and communities depend on them.”
He added, “Perth and Kinross Council has shown an alarming lack of foresight in allowing our roads to get to such a dreadful state of disrepair, especially when it is drivers who will suffer.”New strategyWhen contacted by The Courier, a council spokesman insisted that they had actually emerged from the study in better shape than many other authorities.
“The council area came seventh out of 32 council areas,” he said. “It found that 32.1% of Perth and Kinross roads were either in red condition (require treatment) or in amber condition (require investigation). This compares to a Scottish national average of 34.2%.”
Nevertheless, the spokesman admitted that some works are required.
He said, “Maintaining the condition of the road network is a national issue.
“Every council is facing a backlog of roads maintenance work that will be extremely challenging to address.”
He added, “The figures for Perth and Kinross compare favourably with many other areas. This council spends all of the money it receives for roads on actually maintaining our road network, which runs to some 2500 miles of carriageway. That money is not directed elsewhere.”
The spokesman said that the report had already been acted upon.
He said, “Following the publication of this report, the council approved a new maintenance strategy to respond to the issues it raised.
“We also allocated an extra £500,000 to our roads budget this year to carry out additional road repairs.”
Council leader Ian Miller said, “The fact is that every council is facing a similar situation, with a backlog of road maintenance repairs waiting to be completed.”
He accused Mr Fraser of being “unreasonable” in his interpretation of the figures.