Region’s Pothole Issue Raised At Holyrood

Not only do they drive people to distraction – but often leave motorists facing a hefty repair bill. New figures have revealed that the number of potholes on Scottish roads has increased five-fold in recent years.

Now Finlay Carson, MSP for Galloway and West Dumfries, is urging the Scottish Government to invest £200 million in a bid to clear up the plague of potholes blighting our roads.

He said: “You don’t need to travel very far these days before you encounter either a pothole or a series of them.

“Some of them are so deep and large that they can cause serious damage to your car if you don’t try to avoid them in time.

“A lot of people have complained to me about the condition of many of the roads in Dumfries and Galloway and I sympathise fully with them. Something needs to be done – and quickly – before they deteriorate any further.”

Statistics reveal that in 2007,  just 3981 potholes were reported. But this figure has spiralled to just short of 21,000 complaints being made over potholes in the last year alone.

Mr Carson continued: “These figures lay bare the decline in the state of roads in Galloway and West Dumfries.

“I am backing plans for a £200 million Pothole Fund over the course of this parliament in order that Dumfries and Galloway Council can take action to urgently improve our roads.

“The poor condition of our roads is threatening to spiral out of control and that must change.

“It is time more power is given to communities in my constituency and reverse 14 years of cuts to vital local services.”