Highland road repair bill soars

Highlands and Islands Labour MSP Rhoda Grant says the backlog cost of road repairs needed in the Highlands has soared to more than £200 million.

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Mrs Grant says information from a freedom of information request in May 2022 showed the backlog figure then to be £194,827,000.

She asked what the figure was for this year and was advised by Highland Council that the figure has risen to £233,631,000.

The MSP said: “These figures lay bare the dire condition of our roads in the Highlands and the Scottish Government simply must take steps to provide the council with the money needed to make repairs before someone is seriously hurt.

“Highland Council has the longest road network in Scotland and the geography of the area means that cars are essential, not luxuries.

"We therefore need to make sure the roads are fit for purpose for people living and working in the region, as well as for people visiting.

"Council budgets are being cut year on year and councils can’t do this alone. They need the Scottish Government to allocate sufficient funding to allow these repairs to take place.

"I have therefore appealed to the Scottish Government to step in here and properly fund the region’s roads.”

Highland Council has been approached for comment.

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