Plan for new 'Potholes Fund' using money intended for active travel would be 'a disaster' say campaigners
Plans by Labour for a new “Potholes Fund” using money previously allocated for active travel have been branded “a disaster” by campaigners.
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar pledged last week to establish a new Scotland-wide road repair fund worth £350 million over the next five years, estimated to be enough to fix nearly five million more potholes.
He said under the SNP spending on local roads spending had plummeted by 13 per cent since 2010-11 as a result of cuts to council budgets.
But Mr Sarwar’s plan involves repurposing £70 million each year from the active and sustainable travel budget, though he said he would protect funds for bus infrastructure investment.
And now cycle campaign group Spokes is urging him to rethink his “absolutely disastrous” proposal.
A spokesperson said: “If Labour includes in its manifesto this proposal to slash active travel investment by almost 50 per cent it will be a disaster not just in terms of healthy lifestyles, climate, toxic pollution and congestion, but also electorally for Labour itself in those urban seats where it is now threatened by the Greens or other parties.
“Recent data from Cycling Scotland shows the huge success in Edinburgh, Glasgow and elsewhere of active travel investment, with rapid and major rises in bike use.
“The cost-benefit ratio for such schemes far exceeds that for road expansion, where funding, nonetheless, is growing.
“Potholes are indeed a major danger for all road users, but they are caused by heavy vehicles, including the rising numbers of large SUVs, not by cyclists.
“There is no rationale whatsoever in using the active travel budget for this purpose, rather than from the vehicles causing the potholes.
“We cannot believe Anas Sarwar has consulted properly with his own transport-specialist colleagues such as Edinburgh's transport convener, Stephen Jenkinson, who understand the essential value of active travel investment. Nor can he have looked at Labour's proud history on active travel funding, notably Sarah Boyack MSP's introduction of Scotland's first major initiative on cycling investment, the Cycling, Walking, Safer Streets fund.
“We urge Anas Sarwar to think again before this absolutely disastrous proposal makes it into his manifesto.”
But Councillor Jenkinson welcomed the plan and said it could make a real difference.
He said: “Across the country, councils face the challenge of maintaining ageing road networks while managing tight budgets. In Edinburgh we see first-hand how potholes and deteriorating road surfaces affect residents, bus passengers, cyclists and drivers alike. Any renewed focus on supporting councils to tackle the repair backlog is therefore very welcome.
“The commitment to a £350 million fund to improve road conditions could make a real difference for communities. Ensuring councils have the resources for both repairs and preventative maintenance is essential if we are to improve road quality over the long term and reduce disruption for road users.
“I thank the Scottish Labour Party for bringing forward proposals that recognise the scale of the challenge facing local authorities. I would now urge all parties ahead of the Scottish Parliament elections to set out clearly how they will support councils to tackle potholes and maintain our road networks.
“Local authorities need sustained partnership and investment if we are to address the maintenance backlog and deliver the safe, reliable roads our communities expect.”
Edinburgh Greens’ transport spokesperson Kayleigh Kinross-O'Neill said: "It must be nearing an election when leaders of political parties start promising to fix up potholes in order to win the hearts and minds of voters.
“But Labour's plan to raid active travel budgets to pay for road repairs reeks of desperation and fails to prioritise the needs of pedestrians and other vulnerable road users.
“We welcome any additional funding for local authorities, but decisions over how to spend it should be taken locally so the people who know their areas best can focus on what is most needed."