Green MSP hits out at plague of potholes

Scottish Greens are promising to press the case for proper funding to fix the nation’s 
pothole backlog.

Alison Johnstone, Green MSP for Lothian, used her debut as a member of the Scottish Parliament’s economy, energy and tourism committee to raise the issue with Finance Secretary John Swinney.

A report by Audit Scotland has estimated a £1.5 billion backlog in the maintenance of local roads, which are the responsibility of Scotland’s councils.

Ms Johnstone said: “Ministers’ love of unveiling plaques on grand projects is leaving our local roads to go to wrack and ruin. The growing pothole backlog should be top of Mr Swinney’s list of shovel-ready projects.

“Council road maintenance budgets are being squeezed yet there’s always a spare billion for a new bridge or bypass. Local authorities are paying out millions in compensation for pothole damage.”