Drivers Call for Faster Repairs on Scotland's Major Roads, Survey Finds

Motorists are increasingly frustrated by the condition of Scotland's motorways and trunk roads, with new research showing widespread dissatisfaction over the speed and quality of repairs to potholes and other road defects.

The findings, commissioned by Transport Scotland, reveal that fewer than one in four drivers are satisfied with how quickly maintenance issues are addressed on the country's strategic road network. Around 58 per cent of those surveyed said they were unhappy with repair times, while only 24 per cent expressed satisfaction.

Concerns also extend to the quality of repair work. Just 37 per cent of respondents said they were satisfied with the standard of completed repairs, with a similar proportion reporting dissatisfaction and the remainder undecided.

Scotland's trunk road network, which includes motorways and major A-roads, has traditionally been regarded as the best-maintained part of the country's transport infrastructure. However, road users and motoring organisations argue that these routes should be largely free from potholes and surface defects given their importance to the national economy and road safety.

Among the routes attracting the highest levels of complaints were the M8, which connects Glasgow and Edinburgh, the A90 linking Perth, Aberdeen and Fraserburgh, and the A9 corridor between central Scotland and the Highlands.

Road safety organisations said the survey results reflect concerns regularly raised by motorists across the country.

Stewart Mackie, Road Safety Manager for Scotland at IAM RoadSmart, said the findings suggest many drivers believe road maintenance is failing to keep pace with deterioration, particularly in certain regions.

Regional variations were evident in the results. The lowest levels of satisfaction with repair times were recorded in south-west Scotland, where only 17 per cent of respondents felt repairs were carried out quickly enough. Satisfaction was slightly higher in the north-east at 25 per cent, the south-east at 28 per cent and the north-west at 29 per cent.

The survey, which questioned more than 1,000 people last autumn, also found that almost half believed road conditions had worsened over the previous two years. By comparison, only a small minority felt the condition of roads had improved during the same period.

Overall, 44 per cent of respondents said they were satisfied with the condition of trunk roads, while 39 per cent reported dissatisfaction. However, negative views outweighed positive responses in both the south-west and north-west regions.

Road safety consultant Neil Greig said Scotland's strategic road network should not be experiencing significant pothole issues, arguing that motorists have a reasonable expectation of a higher standard on key high-speed routes.

AA President Edmund King described the findings as concerning, noting that road conditions remain one of the biggest transport concerns among the organisation's Scottish members. He called for greater use of technology, improved planning and a move away from temporary patch repairs towards more permanent maintenance solutions.

Responding to the findings, Transport Scotland said it prioritises funding towards safety-critical maintenance work and applies long-term asset management principles to ensure roads are maintained sustainably and cost-effectively.

A spokesperson added that operating companies regularly inspect, monitor and maintain the trunk road network to support safety, reliability and value for road users.

The survey highlights the ongoing challenge facing road authorities as they seek to maintain ageing infrastructure while addressing growing concerns from motorists about road condition, safety and repair standards.