Figures reveal claims made by Scottish drivers

Freedom of information figures show that the poor state of Scotland’s motorways and trunk roads has led to a number of drivers being caught up in accidents. 

Data obtained by Herald Scotland shows that the M8 and M9 were the worst affected by incidents. The figures highlight crashes, bumps and dents caused by a variety of problems on the carriageways. Councils’ have already been forced to find £3.5 million to cover claims for damage caused by potholes on local roads since 2007.

According to the FOI figures more than 400 drivers have made claims since January last year.

MSP Alex Johnstone, the Scottish Conservative transport spokesman, said: "We can't continue in this cycle of partial or stop-gap repairs, which are rendered useless as soon as the temperature drops below a certain level."

A spokesman for BEAR Scotland – the firm appointed by Transport Scotland to run more than 1,000 miles of motorways and trunk roads in the country – said: "BEAR Scotland inspects the trunk road network every week to identify any serious issues and we make sure these are repaired as quickly as possible."