Glasgow SNP will ensure the basics are carried out correctly in Glasgow. An SNP administration will reverse underinvestment in Glasgow’s roads and carry out a programme of road reconstruction in the city, to combat the decline of our road infrastructure.

Glasgow SNP Sustainability and the Environment spokesperson, Councillor Kenny McLean, said: “Like our rail and air infrastructure, our road network is a vital piece of our city’s transport web. We believe that Glasgow’s roads can be better managed for the benefit of road users and, should the people elect an SNP administration in May, we will make the changes needed to improve the state of Glasgow’s roads.

“Over numerous budgets since 2007, the SNP has proposed levering in capital funding to rebuild some of our most badly damaged roads. This is a practical long-term solution to our deteriorating roads in Glasgow and one which we will build into the core our road management plans.

“We are committed to an open and transparent council. The SNP will publish an annual plan of scheduled road repairs, to make clear to citizens and businesses where there may be disruption through the year. This will also give the people of Glasgow confidence that the Council is doing all it can to maintain our road network.

“We will also liaise with utility companies, to improve the way in which they make repairs to their networks under our streets, and the Roadworks Commissioner to do more when utility companies fail in their responsibilities to road users.

“The SNP is determined to make Glasgow’s roads better, to support our aim of moving Glasgow Forward this May.”

ENDS

• 1. The SNP proposed additional capital investment in Glasgow’s roads – through prudential borrowing – in each of the following years (copies of proposals available on request):
  • a. 2012-13 - £10m (from 625K revenue investment levered into capital through prudential borrowing) in composite budget, negotiated with other parties. Original SNP proposal was for £16m (from £1m revenue investment levered into capital through prudential borrowing)
  • b. 2010-11 - £6m (from £375K revenue investment levered into capital through prudential borrowing)
  • c. 2009-10 - £4m (from £400K revenue investment levered into capital through prudential borrowing)

• 2. Following a request for information on Land and Environment Services road maintenance expenditure since local government re-organisation in March 2011, the SNP Group on Glasgow City Council received the following attached information for financial years 2003-04 to 2009-10. The “Total Roads Maintenance” budget lines for Glasgow, from 2003-04 to 2009-10, were as follows (detailed response available in .pdf form on request) and demonstrate that Glasgow reduced spending on roads over the period:
  • a. 2009-10 - £15,573,906
  • b. 2008-09- £13,728,770
  • c. 2007-08 - £12,379,440
  • d. 2006-07 - £12,768,347
  • e. 2005-06 - £15,408,513
  • f. 2004-05 - £14,976,513
  • g. 2003-04 - £16,540,559