Improving the trunk road network

Future improvements to the trunk road network

Respondents were asked to select up to three aspects of trunk roads which they would most like to see improved. As shown in Figure 6.1, almost half (48%) selected the speed with which road defects and potholes are repaired, and 39% selected the general condition of road surfaces. One in three selected the quality of repairs (31%) and the amount of congestion (28%).

In comparison to 2023, there was an increase in those selecting:

• the frequency of roadworks (24% in 2024, compared to 19% in 2023)
• the drainage of water and flooding (22%, compared to 18%)
• the visibility of road markings (15%, compared to 11%), and
• the provision of lighting along roads (13%, compared to 9%).

While slightly fewer respondents selected:

• the speed with which road defects and potholes are repaired (48%, compared to 53%), and
• the promptness of road clearing in winter (9%, compared to 13%).

Respondents in the South East were more likely than average to say they would like to see the amount of traffic congestion improved (38%, compared to 28% overall), while those in the South West were more likely to select the frequency of roadworks (29%, compared to 24%). Respondents in the North East were more likely to select the drainage of water or flooding (29%, compared to 22%).

Older respondents (aged 55 and older) were more likely those aged under 55 to prioritise improvements to the speed with which road defects and potholes are repaired (61%, compared to 38%).

Priorities for development

The priorities for improvement outlined above in Figure 6.1 were reinforced by analysis of the relationship between satisfaction with various aspects of trunk road management and maintenance, and the relative perceived importance of each (see Appendix B).

In line with previous years, the key priorities for development were the speed of repairs, quality of repairs, and general condition of surfaces.

Priorities for future investment

Respondents were asked whether Transport Scotland should prioritise (a) investment in the building of new roads, or (b) the maintenance of existing roads to a higher standard. As in previous years, the majority of respondents (86%) were in favour of maintaining existing roads to a higher standard (Figure 6.2).

Respondents in the South East and South West were more likely than those in the North West to prioritise the maintenance of existing roads to a higher standard (89% and 88% respectively, compared to 79%) (Figure 6.3).