Fife councillor says billions are needed for road repairs

Fixing Scotland’s crumbling roads would cost the same as building the new Forth crossing, a Fife councillor has claimed.

Calling for adequate government funding to repair the nation’s highways, Councillor Donald Lothian estimated that £1.6 billion would be needed for motorists to benefit significantly.

It recently emerged that Fife’s road repairs bill has soared to £82.5 million. Howe of Fife and Tay Coast representative Mr Lothian the issue was a national one which could only be properly addressed by sufficient government investment.

He said: “The roads have taken a real hammering in recent years because of the adverse weather conditions and that is plain to see.

“Fife Council is dealing with the situation reasonably well but, like all other councils, is doing so with stretched staff resources and a very tight budget.

“Road repairs are very expensive and without sufficient money, only so much can be done.”

Mr Lothian reckons the sum necessary for fixing the kingdom’s roads is closer to £150m.

He added: “I consider that the £1.6bn cost of the new Forth Road bridge is the amount of money needed throughout Scotland to make a real difference.”