Councils must ensure utility companies complete road repairs on time

The Scottish Road Works Commissioner has criticised councils for failing to take action against utility companies over delays to repairs.

Jackson Carlaw MSP, Scottish Conservative Shadow Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change, said:

"After a decade of neglect and two severe winters the maintenance of Scotland's roads must be a priority for councils. Yet, despite the clear and urgent need for investment, councils are set to reduce spending on roads by 11%. In some cases it will take decades to get local roads up to standard, which is why Scottish Conservatives want to commit at least £250m to a national Road Maintenance Fund.

"For this lack of investment to be compounded by further delays, which are themselves due to council indifference towards utility companies failing to meet their agreed obligations and timetables for road maintenance, is both pathetic and unacceptable.

"Councils must take steps to require utility companies to complete road repairs on time, and should consider imposing penalty clauses to ensure that they do.

"If councils cannot demonstrate a sense of urgency and competence then alternative methods of delivery must be considered."

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