Motorists are set for continuing pothole misery as councils slash spending on road repairs.
Official government statistics show an across-the-board drop in funding allocated by local authorities to road and transport spending, despite ongoing concerns about the crumbling network.
The grim news comes as the country’s roads struggle to recover from the severest winter in years.
It is thought the cost of bringing Scottish roads up to scratch could be as much as £2.6 billion.
However, the figures show Dundee, Angus, Perth and Kinross and Fife councils are planning to reduce spending on roads this year.
In Dundee it is estimated £7 million will be spent on roads and transport this year, compared to £8.5 million last year.
In Angus the figure is expected to drop from £17.8 million to £17.6 million.
Perth and Kinross will experience the largest percentage drop, from £15.7 million to £13.7 million, while in Fife it will fall from £38.6 million to £34.5 million.
Opposition parties at Holyrood insisted the road network needs investment.
Labour’s Jenny Marra demanded an explanation of how the roads would be brought up to scratch.
“After the bad weather last winter and the mess it created on the roads, this budget should not be suffering a near on 20% cut,” said Ms Marra, an MSP who represents North East Scotland.
“People want the potholes on their street repaired. The SNP should explain how the roads can be brought back up to standard with less money.”
Tory spokesman Jackson Carlaw said councils are facing financial pressures, but said the cutting of road budgets was a “shortsighted” move.
“Last winter was severe and took its toll on our roads,” he said. “If this coming winter is just as bad then the damage will be much greater.
“The proper maintenance of Scotland’s roads is essential, for both the economic prosperity and quality of life for local residents.”
A spokesman for the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities said demand for services would “always” outstrip the ability to pay for them.
“There is no quick fix here and it is wrong to suggest otherwise or that a simple re-prioritisation would solve the problem.”
More than 30,000 potholes have been repaired in Dundee, Angus and Fife since the turn of the year.