Calls for improvements in road maintenance after Glasgow pothole nightmare
The Daily Record reported last week that Carly McLean, who lost her unborn child in an accident last year, has still not received an apology from Glasgow City Council or any compensation for the traumatic incident.
The 29-year-old and her 4 children were traveling in her Volkswagen Tiguan near Braehead Shopping Centre when she hit a large pothole. After hearing a “thud and large bang” as her tyre burst, Carly lost control of the car, skidding on gravel and into a barrier. Speaking to the Daily Record, Carly shared,
“The baby didn’t get hurt. Her car seat stopped any injury happening but the other three suffered quite bad whiplash and my eldest’s leg took the impact of the airbag.”
She also shared that a doctor confirmed she had miscarried as a result of the crash, and a year down the line, her daughters are still traumatised from the event and scared to be in the car. Glasgow City Council have settled a claim with Carly’s insurer for damage to barriers as a result of the crash, but Carly and her family are yet to see any kind of justice.
Potholes and road defects need to be addressed
The family were among 26 people hurt in accidents across the country where road defects were recorded as a factor in 2024. Although, the true figure is believed to be much higher as that stat only includes incidents where police officers were alerted.
Carly told the Record that action needed to be taken to avoid more tragedies.
Scott Whyte, Managing Director at Watermans, explains what needs to be done to avoid the number of accidents happening because of road defects,
“This tragic case highlights the increasing danger that all road users face on the crumbling road networks in Scotland’s towns and cities. Anyone with the misfortune to commute can relate to this story. Loss and damage as a result of the conditions of our roads is all too common.
“Sadly, the law in Scotland in this area allows local authorities the luxury of maintaining bare minimum standards when it comes to the inspection and maintenance of our roads, meaning that our roads get worse each year and the risk of injury and damage increases.
“As we enter the new financial year where council tax across the country has increased at unprecedented levels it is hoped that councils may do the right thing and invest some of that additional revenue in properly improving the road network and finally go beyond the bare minimum standards that they have applied for far too long now.”