Transport Scotland responds to concerns over worsening road conditions

Transport Scotland has addressed growing public concern over deteriorating road conditions following a recent Freedom of Information (FOI) request—highlighting the impact of potholes and poor road surfaces on safety, vehicle damage, and everyday costs for drivers.

The request called for clarity on how worsening road conditions are affecting people across Glasgow and the wider Scottish network. In its response, Transport Scotland acknowledged the issue, emphasising that keeping road users safe remains its top priority.

The agency pointed to its “robust inspection and maintenance regime” across Scotland’s trunk roads, designed to identify and fix defects within set timeframes. However, it also stressed that most roads are managed by local authorities—not Transport Scotland itself.

While the Scottish Government provides significant funding to councils for road maintenance, decisions on how that money is spent ultimately sit at the local level.

Alongside ongoing repairs, Transport Scotland says it is investing in making the trunk road network more resilient—aiming to reduce the need for reactive fixes and tackle issues before they escalate. It also continues to work closely with operating companies to monitor road conditions and respond quickly to safety risks.

The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to supporting local authorities through funding, guidance, and collaboration, while maintaining national roads to high standards to minimise disruption and protect road users.