MSP slams "third world" Highland roads

HIGHLAND roads are in the worst condition they have ever been in and are now similar to that of third world countries, according to a Highland MSP.

Dave Stewart, who has campaigned on road safety issues, spoke out after the results of a survey which revealed that a third of AA members had suffered pothole damage to their cars in the last two years.

The local roads in Scotland and Yorkshire and Humberside were rated as the worst in Britain by those taking part in the AA Populus poll, with 40 per cent rated as being in poor, very poor or terrible condition.

Mr Stewart said: "Potholes in our roads are a real problem for all road users, not just the motorist.

"Recent studies have shown that our roads are in the worst condition they ever have been and are similar to that of third world countries.

"I heard that it is costing councils across Scotland, £3,558,201 to compensate for damage caused by poorly-maintained roads. I urge the Government to find ring-fenced finance to plug the shortfalls in our highways budget".

Mr Stewart continued: "No one seems to mention the road safety perspective. How many collisions have been caused by pot holes in our roads or by vehicles swerving to avoid them. What price do you put on injuries or fatalities to the individual caused by pot holes or as a direct result of pot holes?

"These are issues which need to be addressed and with the Government continuing to freeze the Council Tax, it has to accept that this has to be seen as a contributory factor to the poor state of our highways."

Mr Stewart said he would be writing to the Transport Minister to seek his views on this matter and to ask how he plans to address the problem.