Council accused of treating motorists with ‘utter disregard’

ROADS: Response to potholes and maintenance comes under fire

Council action to tackle potholes across Perth and Kinross has come under fire with an accusation that the local authority are treating motorists with “utter disregard”.

Robert Noble of Orchard Park, Crieff, contacted The Courier after he was incensed by the state of the Gilmerton to Aberfeldy A822 road.

“When I moved to Perth and Kinross in 1971 the Perthshire roads were maintained to a high standard and the off-lets were cleaned regularly,” said Mr Noble. “Now there appears to be a ‘could not care less’ attitude within the council.

“Utter disregard is shown towards drivers who have a responsibility to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy.

“Should some poor soul drive through one of these holes, especially when it is dark and wet, their vehicle is sure to sustain serious damage.”

The council defended its programme, saying that it is operating against a background of extreme weather over the winter.

“The council road network has been severely affected by potholes caused by the prolonged wet weather and the subsequent freezing temperatures and thaws, in the same way as other parts of Scotland,” said a spokesperson. “The resources in our Roads Maintenance Partnership, as well as carrying out repairs, are also required to respond to flooding/other severe weather impact as well as carrying out winter maintenance work (gritting and snow clearing).

“The timescale for repairs to potholes is dependent on the severity of damage to the road surface. Most require to be fixed within seven days.

“If our resources are otherwise engaged on flooding response or winter treatment this may take longer, however potholes which present the greatest risk to public safety will be prioritised accordingly.”

MSP Murdo Fraser who has highlighted the issue in the past called for more resources to be diverted to tackle the problem.

“Despite my repeated pleas to Perth and Kinross Council to improve the state of our roads, particularly in relation to potholes following bad weather, precious little is being done,” said Mr Fraser.

Despite my repeated pleas... precious little is being done. MSP MURDO FRRASER

Picture: Steve MacDougall. A pothole on the one of the main roads in Dunning.