To the route of the PROBLEM
Council says road repairs are nearly finished
Potholes. The scourge of many a driver and a blight on our towns and roads. They are everywhere and only seem to be geting worse. So, what can be done to tackle the problem? As the News this week embarked on a road trip to see the state of our roads, South Lanarkshire Council tell us about their £11m investment promised last year, how that was spent, and how they plan to tackle the problem. We also hear from East Renfrewshire Council on their plans. Is there anything new, or have we heard it all before?
South Lanarkshire Council say an £11million investment in its road network is nearing completion.
But despite this, crater-like potholes are causing a headache for drivers in East Kilbride, Strathaven and the surrounding areas.
The News went out and about to see exactly the state of the roads.
And it was a bumpy ride, with winter taking its toll on crumbling surfaces.
The local authority says it is vital that problem roads are reported to them as quickly as possible so they can be repaired .
South Lanarkshire Council head of roads and transportation Gordon Mackay said: “In previous years we have operated pothole patrols in response to a lengthy period of severe weather conditions.
“If the similar conditions are experienced this winter we would look to implement the same measures, however, it is worth noting that the whole year round in all conditions we undertake routine safety inspections of the entire road and footway network, with increased frequency on main roads such as the one of those mentioned, Calderwood Road.
“The purpose of these inspections is to identify potential safety defects for repair.”
He went on : “Of course, the most effective way of dealing with potholes is to prevent them forming and this is done by resurfacing worn out roads as necessary. This replaces crumbling road surfaces which are reaching the end of their useful life.
“Methods for repairing potholes remain under constant review and the council invests as necessary in appropriate plant, equipment and training.
“Potholes will, though, form on worn out roads and repairs will not be as durable as such roads continue to deteriorate.
“The Roads Investment Plan for 2019/2020, which saw an additional £11 million of funding committed to improving the condition of the network across South Lanarkshire, is almost complete.”
The council say it has “committed to funding for road resurfacing from 2020/2021 onwards “as highlighted in its 10-year capital investment strategy.
Mr Mackay added: “While the roads service recognises that much work remains to be done, we are committed, with the necessary funding, to continuing to improve our roads.”
Other areas have also been highlighted to the new which SLC do not have responsibility for including the car park at Alison Lea Medical Centre and the Islamic centre in the former library.
Responsibility is split between NHS Lanarkshire, the GP surgeries and the Islamic centre.
However, huge craters remained in sections of the car parks this week.
The News previously reported at the end of 2018 that talks were ongoing between the parties in order for repairs to be carried out.
Westwood Square car park, recently bought by Knightsbridge Scotland, has also been highlighted – although repairs were carried out on Monday with others to be completed in the coming days.
Another pothole-riddled road that got our readers talking was the exit road from Tesco on St Leonards Square.
Repaired just a few months ago after numerous complaints, it has again been causing a headache for drivers.
Frustrated drivers have reported damage to cars and following a large number of complaints, work on temporary repairs has begun this week.
The problem road is the responsibility of property management company Reith and Lambert who carried out works outside the petrol station and the adjacent junction in August.
They were completed ahead of schedule, albeit with the temporary closure of nearby Glen Moriston. But just months after that, the square proved a nightmare again for motorists.
A spokesman for Reith and Lambert told the News they were looking to make “wider improvements” to the area as a whole.
SLC say local residents are encouraged to report road faults including potholes on any of their roads by filling out a form on its website at https://www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk/info/200232/roads_lighting_and_pavements/337/road_and_lighting_faults/