Injury or damage claims have risen

The alliance says that budgetary restrictions are also hitting structural work.

It claims roads in Scotland can be resurfaced on average every 81 years, instead of the recommended 10 to 20 years.

The AIA says that this year's budget shortfall in Scotland is �223m - and that only a radical review of government funding of road maintenance can prevent the whole network from sinking further into disrepair.

The Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (Cosla) branded Scotland's roads a "disgrace to the nation" and called for more cash to repair potholes.

Cosla said the state of local roads posed a threat to public safety and called for a radical review of the way the Scottish Executive funded councils.

Constant underfunding

The body's transport spokeswoman, Alison Magee, said: "Councils have struggled for too long to maintain the 50,000km of roads for which we are responsible.

"Constant underfunding has meant that we cut back on regular maintenance to the point where some roads are past maintenance and will require rebuilding if they are to reopen."

She said some roads which should be resurfaced every 10 to 20 years must wait an average of 81 years for treatment - and injury and damage payouts from potholes and cracks had risen by 40% in just one year.

"Everyone is paying the price for the Scottish Executive's neglect of Scotland's roads," she said.

Sole responsibility

And she added that, although transport minister Sarah Boyack had last year promised a further �680 million for motorways and trunk roads, these accounted for only 7% of the roads network, while the remaining 93% was "left to crumble".

But the charges were rejected by the Scottish Executive.

A spokeswoman said: "Councils have sole responsibility for maintenance of local roads.

"The Scottish Executive is aware of concern in this area, that is why we announced last September extra funding to councils of �70m for maintenance of local roads.

"It is therefore up to councils to spend this additional resource to improve maintenance of local roads."