The M74 extension is the newest motorway in the country and to have suffered problems already is disappointing, but a full repair job as soon as possible was essential to protect the considerable initial investment in building the road.

Glasgow and the west of Scotland waited too long for this road in the first place and the last thing it needs is a series of closures in the future because it wasn't maintained properly.

Therefore, the announcement to rectify the defect is good news and will save taxpayers cash and drivers frustration in the long run.

Much has been spent on the local roads that were most in need of repair in recent years, but still the backlog is enormous and presents a major challenge for the council.

The city needs its roads to be open for people to go about their daily lives and for supplies to get through to shops and businesses to keep the economy moving.

It is not just a little bit of a delay for drivers and annoyance at dodging potholes but an absolute economic necessity that our roads are maintained.

Investment in their future must be protected.