Roads Maintenance update, May 17, 2013
Podcast transcript.
I’m here with John Baillie, chair of the Accounts Commission, to discuss a new report on the state of Scotland’s roads. John, can you tell me what this is about?
Yes. We’ve issued an audit update paper commenting on the progress made by councils since our last major report on roads maintenance in 2011.  
So what did you find?
The latest roads condition survey results show that the percentage of local roads in acceptable condition has marginally increased over the last two years, despite a 21% reduction in spending between 2009/10 and 2010/11. However, the proportion in acceptable condition is still lower than it was in 2005. 
We found councils had made progress in putting roads asset management plans in place, although this has taken some time and the quality and monitoring of these could be better.  
Councils are facing budget cuts on all fronts, why should roads be a special case?
Well, we’re not saying they should be. It is for councils to decide what their priorities are. What we are saying is that when funds are reducing, all opportunities have to be considered to achieve more with the resources that are available.
In our 2011 report, we recognised the funding challenge and called for a National Review of the way that roads are managed and maintained. We think fundamental change is needed if the condition of local roads is to be brought up to the standard that the public expects. 
The national review has involved a considerable amount of work, but it will take time for significant new ways of working to be put in place and we think the pace of change needs to increase. 
Let’s not forget, we all rely on the roads network every day – to get to work, to get to school, and to the shops. Indeed, our economic prosperity depends on it. Ultimately, if we do not look after our roads now, we will face much higher maintenance bills in the years to come. And even in the short term, more potholes lead to more drivers making compensation claims against the councils.
What do you want to see happen next?
We want to see councils build on the progress made so far, and continue to work with their partners on making the fundamental changes needed that will achieve real improvements. And given the public interest in this issue, we will continue to monitor progress and issue further reports in due course.  

Thank you