Heavy traffic makes potholes worse

"Fixing potholes only really scratches at the surface."

But some of the worst potholes are in Glasgow.

The problem is at its harshest in winter when the road surface is weakened after water gets in, freezes and then thaws.

The volume of traffic on Glasgow's streets exacerbates the problem.

The Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (Cosla) says potholes are a disgrace and has asked the Scottish Executive for more money to improve road surfaces.

'Investment suffers'

But the executive says it handed out an extra �70m to pay for road network improvements last year.

It say it is up to local authorities to determine how the money is spent.

Nevertheless, Highland Council convener Councillor David Green said he would like to see a fresh injection of cash.

"The reality is that over the last few years the government's priority has been education, fire and police services.

"They have also been our priority. As a result the roads programme has suffered, and we now have a situation where considerable investment is needed," he said.