Scottish road improvement works 'advancing too slowly'

Date: 17/5/2013

Work to improve conditions on Scotland's local roads is not progressing fast enough, the country's public spending watchdog has claimed.

According to the Accounts Commission, attempts to tackle the repairs backlog are advancing too slowly, while Councils have taken too long to properly respond to improvement recommendations made by the organisation in 2011.

The report said: "While we recognise that councils are facing budget constraints, there is a need to increase the pace of progress in improving roads condition."

John Baillie, Chair of the Accounts Commission, added that Councils could make better use of their resources to ensure that they're adequately addressing the issue.

But Councillor Stephen Hagan told the BBC that local authorities understand the importance of carrying out repair work and are committed to making the necessary improvements.

"Councils recognise the importance of the local road network as a vital asset in the lives of local communities and for local businesses," he added.

Posted by Sarah Bailey

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