Roadworks probe after whistleblowers hit out

Repairs: Former staff claim unnecessary work is being done

Dundee whistleblowers who say the company responsible for maintaining Scotland’s trunk roads has been carrying out unnecessary work for years have sparked a major investigation.

Transport Scotland has launched a probe into claims that BEAR Scotland has been ripping off the taxpayer with a number of bogus roadworks on roads that did not need repaired.

Former traffic management coordinator Sean Reilly, from Dundee, worked for the company for 12 years and said the series of practices were designed to create further work.

The alleged practices include staff being asked to carry out repairs on roads that had no potholes, employees being asked to cut holes more than double the depth required, workers being asked to carry out work in torrential rain so work would have to be redone, and works being carried out even if the roads were due to be resurfaced just days or weeks later.

Mr Reilly said: “They say it is job creation but it is shoddy workmanship – work that won’t last and is going to fail. That falls on the taxpayer to pay for.

“It is madness the stuff they were making us do, just unbelievable.

“It has been going on for years and it is worth millions.”

His claims were backed up by fellow Dundonian Sean Toshney, who worked for BEAR for five years. He said: “I’m a taxpayer and there are bosses there who are bullies and are bullying people into cutting out good road.

“Why should we pay tax to line their pockets?”

Mr Toshney has formally complained about the ‘fraudulent practices’ to Transport Scotland in a letter that said: “Hopefully you will be able to investigate this type of illegal and dangerous work practice, not to mention the bullying tactics of BEAR Scotland management to ensure their staff don’t speak out.”

North-east Labour MSP Jenny Marra who has been in contact with Mr Toshney said she welcomed the investigation.

She said: “If these claims are true, we are looking at thousands and thousands of taxpayers’ money being wasted.

“There would be serious questions for auditors to answer, serious questions for ministers and serious questions surrounding the over view and scrutiny of government contacts and expenditure.”

A BEAR Scotland spokesman said: “When the issue relating to road repairs was highlighted previously, we provided a full, transparent explanation of our procedures to our client Transport Scotland. Following an independent audit the issue was subsequently resolved. These further allegations are being followed up by independent audits.”