Council slammed over state of roads

THE Evening Express today highlights the crumbling condition of some roads in Aberdeenshire.

Our pictures were taken after Aberdeenshire Council was criticised over the way it runs the roads network.

The attack was made by motorbiker Moray Ferguson after he was billed £200 for damaging the road where he crashed and almost died.

Mr Ferguson said the demand was “hypocritical” as he claimed many other roads were left in a state of disrepair by the council.

His criticism was backed by a leading motoring organisation which said the council’s failure to maintain routes could leave it facing compensation claims.

Paul Watters, head of policy for the AA, also said councils were billing accident victims in a bid to bolster dwindling maintenance budgets.

He said: “It does seem unduly harsh and unsympathetic but with harsh budgetary constraints they are obliged to recover money and insurance is there to cover damage to third party property.

“It’s a sad indictment of authorities looking desperately for money to prop up maintenance budgets.”

Our pictures show damage on North-east roads at Belhelvie, Dunecht, Inverurie, Kemnay and Ythanbank.

Mr Watters said such potholes were dangerous, especially for bikers.

Aberdeenshire Council, which looks after 3,000 miles of roads said it was “fully committed to improving the condition of these roads”.

A spokesman said: “As well as our roads inspections, we rely on members of the public to report any defects to us.

“Each pothole which is brought to our attention is made safe as soon as possible.”

dewen@ajl.co.uk