West Lothian Council is pushing the Scottish Parliament for additional funding to address the pothole problem on local roads. The council members have agreed to send a letter to local MSP Fiona Hyslop, requesting more financial support to carry out crucial road repairs in the area.
During a recent council meeting, concerns were raised about the lack of funds available for road maintenance, with one councillor criticising Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop for not experiencing the pothole issues firsthand while using a ministerial limousine. Depute Provost Peter Heggie and fellow councillor Alison Adamson emphasised the need for increased funding, highlighting the council’s expertise in allocating resources for road repairs.
An SNP amendment suggested that West Lothian Council should learn from the successes of neighbouring areas like Midlothian in effectively utilising their budget for road maintenance. Councillor Heggie commended the efforts of the road teams in addressing the road defects with limited resources but expressed concerns about the overall state of the roads, especially as colder weather approaches.
Councillor Diane Calder proposed an emergency report on contingency plans for unforeseen underspends within the council, pointing out a significant underspend in the Roads and Transportation budget. She advocated for investing in innovative solutions like the Tarminator pothole repair machine, which has proven successful in Midlothian, to improve road conditions in West Lothian.
Additionally, SNP councillors highlighted the efficiency of the Tarminator machine and suggested investing in multiple units to expedite road repairs across the region. The council members deliberated on the importance of securing adequate funding from the Scottish Government to address the ongoing road maintenance challenges in West Lothian.
Ultimately, the council endorsed Councillor Heggie’s motion in a close vote, highlighting the urgent need for increased financial support from the government. As discussions continue on how best to allocate resources for road repairs, West Lothian Council remains committed to ensuring the safety and quality of the local road network for residents and businesses alike.