Road works and winter maintenance

Satisfaction with roadworks

Satisfaction with specific aspects of roadworks was mixed (Figure 3.1). Road users were more positive about the frequency of night time lane closures than other aspects. Thirty nine percent were satisfied with this and 16% were dissatisfied (11% selected “don’t know / not applicable” for this aspect).

Trunk road users were more negative about the frequency of road works – 25% were satisfied and 43% dissatisfied.

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

Between 2023 and 2024, there was an increase in satisfaction with the frequency of day time closures (31%, compared to 25% in 2023).

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

There was little regional variation in satisfaction with roadworks, aside from slightly higher satisfaction among those in the South East with day time lane closures - 38%, compared to 31% overall (and 26% in 2023). (Figure 3.3).

Respondents who were dissatisfied with the frequency of roadworks were most dissatisfied with the M8 (19%), A9 (13%) and A90 (12%).

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

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 (80%) said they preferred short-term full road closures (Figure 3.4).

Figure 3.4: Preferred approach to road works, as described in the text above
Figure 3.4: Preferred approach to road works

Respondents in the North East were more likely than average to choose long-term lane restrictions (19%, compared to 14% overall).

Winter maintenance

Overall, respondents were positive about efforts to maintain the trunk road network during winter, including the promptness with which roads are gritted (62% were satisfied) and cleared (56%) (Figure 3.5). These findings were broadly in line with those from 2023 (Figure 3.6). Road users in the North West were more likely than average to be dissatisfied with the promptness with which roads are gritted (24%, compared to 17% overall).

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