Fewer than a quarter of drivers are happy with how quickly potholes and other defects are fixed on Scotland’s motorways and other major roads, latest research has suggested.

The poll, commissioned by Transport Scotland, revealed that only 24 per cent of those questioned were satisfied with the speed of repairs, while 58 per cent were not, according to The Scotsman.

In addition, only 37 per cent were happy with how well the job was done, with nearly as many dissatisfied, and the rest neutral or undecided.

Trunk roads have traditionally been the best maintained – and motoring experts say they should be free of such hazards. The most complained-about roads were the M8, which links Greenock and Glasgow with Edinburgh, the A90 between Perth, Aberdeen and Fraserburgh, and the A9 between Falkirk and Scrabster via Perth and Inverness.

Stewart Mackie, road safety manager for Scotland at motoring group IAM RoadSmart, said:

“These findings will resonate with many drivers across Scotland who see potholes left unrepaired for too long and are frustrated by the condition of major roads.

“The fact that satisfaction with both the speed and quality of repairs remains so low suggests motorists do not feel maintenance is keeping pace with deterioration, particularly in some regions.”

Satisfaction with the speed of repairs was lowest in south west Scotland trunk road area, which stretches from Glasgow to the Border, at just 17 per cent.

The figure was 25 per cent in the north east, 28 per cent in the south east and 29 per cent in the north west.

Nearly half of the 1,075 people polled last September thought road surfaces had got worse over the last two years, with only 8 per cent saying they had improved.

Overall, 44 per cent were satisfied with their condition compared to 39 per cent who were not, however, discontented motorists outweighed the contented in both the south west and north west.

Scotland-based road safety consultant Neil Greig said:

“The motorway and trunk road network should have no pothole issues at all. They are our key high-speed routes and Scottish drivers quite rightly expect a premium service on them.”

Automobile Association president Edmund King added:

“Some 96 per cent of AA members in Scotland tell us that the state of the roads is their top transport concern.

“The Transport Scotland survey results are very concerning. We advocate more use of technology, proactive planning and permanent repairs to get away from the ‘patch and run’ approach.”

(Picture: Freepik, now Magnific)