Only 60% of Edinburgh's roads are classed as "acceptable"

There has also been a 4% drop in the number of "acceptable" roads in the capital since 2011.

Published 3rd Aug 2016

Only 60% of Edinburgh's roads are classed as being in an "acceptable" condition, according to new statistics.

The figures come from Audit Scotland's 'Maintaining Scotland's Roads' report, published today.

It also shows that there has been drop of roughly 4% in the number of roads deemed "acceptable" in the capital since 2011.

Edinburgh Council's Vice Transport Convenor, Adam McVey, said: "Local government has been under difficult financial times, and I think we all agree that Edinburgh's road network needs to be improved.

"We're the capital city of Scotland so obviously we're not aiming to tread water, we're aiming to be the best across the board. It's not where I want want to see our capital city, I want to be up top,

"I want our road network to be the kind that people expect, and right now it is falling below that standard.

"That's why this year we have changed our approach to road repairs in the city, meaning that we've invested in roads much earlier in their deterioration to make sure that in the long-term we will end up with a road network that people expect our capital to have."

As for the national picture, the figures showed that the overall condition of council-maintained roads has remained stable at around 63% since 2011.

However, there is significant variation in the condition of roads among councils. For example, right now, the range of local roads in acceptable condition ranges from 44% in Argyll and Bute Council to 79% in Orkney Islands Council.