Local MP Katy Clark has called a recent study by an insurance company which found Ayrshire to have the highest rate of claims for axle or suspension damage, which is caused by persistent driving on poor road surfaces a “ wake up call” and called for urgent action to address the deteriorating road conditions in North Ayrshire and Arran

Speaking on the issue the local MP said, “This report highlights the poor conditions of the roads and our roads are either not adequately or effectively repaired, or are simply left to deteriorate. Lets be clear people are injured and die as a result of these poor road conditions. ”

“Money will be a factor and I believe that more funding will have to be put into this work but it is also how existing money is spent and whether there are too many short term repairs.”

Studies show that Scotland generally fairs worse than England in the quality of the roads .

Katy said, “I am concerned at the level of deterioration on Scottish roads and am worried that that Ayrshire roads in particular are not being maintained as effectively as they could be. As a devolved policy area, I urge the Scottish government to investigate this issue in more depth.”

The local MP continued, “Given this report I have written to North Ayrshire Council, Transport Scotland, and the Scottish Transport Minister and asked each of them why Ayrshire roads are the worst in Britain, what measures are being taken to address this problem, and are the repair works that are carried out being appropriate for the road conditions, and effective at building long term sustainable roads.”