Roadworks and winter maintenance

Satisfaction with roadworks

Levels of satisfaction with different aspects of road works varied, with respondents being most positive about the frequency of night time lane closures (42% were satisfied) and least positive about the frequency of roadworks (25%) (Figure 3.1)

Figure 3.1: Satisfaction with aspects of roadworks and trunk road maintenance, as described in the preceding text
Figure 3.1: Satisfaction with aspects of roadworks and trunk road maintenance

Since 2024, there was a decrease in satisfaction with the frequency of day time lane closures (26%, compared to 31% in 2024) and a corresponding increase in dissatisfaction (41%, compared to 33%). Dissatisfaction with the planning and coordination of lane closures also increased (37%, compared to 31%) (Figure 3.2).

Figure 3.2: Trends in dissatisfaction with aspects of roadworks and trunk road maintenance, as described in the preceding text
Figure 3.2: Trends in dissatisfaction with aspects of roadworks and trunk road maintenance

Trunk road users in the South West were more likely than average to be dissatisfied with a number of aspects of road works:

  • frequency of roadworks (54%, compared to 48%)
  • frequency of day time closures (48%, compared to 41%)
  • planning and coordination of diversions (45%, compared to 36%)
  • frequency of night time closures (17%, compared to 13%).

Those in the South East were more likely to be dissatisfied with the planning and coordination of lane closures (48%, compared to 37%).

Figure 3.3: Dissatisfaction with aspects of roadworks and trunk road maintenance, by region, as described in the preceding text
Figure 3.3: Dissatisfaction with aspects of roadworks and trunk road maintenance, by region

Respondents who were dissatisfied with the frequency of roadworks were most dissatisfied with the M8 (19%), A90 (15%) and A9 (9%).

Transport Scotland’s approach to roadworks

Respondents were asked to choose between two approaches to road closures: short-term full road closures with adequate notice to adjust travel arrangements and long-term lane closures with delays. In line with previous years, most respondents (83%) said they preferred short-term full road closures (Figure 3.4).

Figure 3.4: Preferred approach to roadworks, as described in the preceding text
Figure 3.4: Preferred approach to roadworks

Winter maintenance

Respondents were largely positive about efforts to maintain the trunk road network during winter, with 60% being satisfied with the promptness with which roads are gritted and 58% with the promptness with which they are cleared (Figure 3.5). The findings were consistent with those from 2024 (Figure 3.6).

Figure 3.5: Satisfaction with winter maintenance, as described in the preceding text
Figure 3.5: Satisfaction with winter maintenance
Figure 3.6: Trends in satisfaction with winter maintenance, as described in the preceding text
Figure 3.6: Trends in satisfaction with winter maintenance

Satisfaction with winter maintenance was lowest among those in the North West – 45% were dissatisfied with the promptness roads are gritted (compared to 60% overall) and 40% with the promptness roads are cleared (compared to 58%) (Figure 3.7).

Figure 3.7: Satisfaction with the promptness of winter maintenance, by region, as described in the preceding text
Figure 3.7: Satisfaction with the promptness of winter maintenance, by region