A GLASGOW-based courier firm claims the city's roads are costing them thousands of pounds a year in repairs.

Bosses at Eagle Couriers said potholes and poor repairs are damaging their vehicles at a cost of £300 each to replace tyres, springs and shock absorbers.

With about 50 of their delivery drivers on Glasgow's roads, the annual cost is around £15,000 in the city.

Now the company wants repairs to be carried out quicker and the quality of workmanship improved.

Director Jerry Stewart says the biggest problem is substandard repairs.

To pinpoint the worst areas, the company asked their drivers to complete a survey identifying the 10 worst streets in the city.

Some of Glasgow's busiest roads including Govan, Hardgate and Byres were named.

Top of the list was Hardgate Road, which runs parallel to the Southern General Hospital.

Drivers described it the "worst road by far," describing potholes more than five foot across.

Mr Stewart said: "The biggest problem is that the repairs are substandard.

"Many of the potholes seem to be caused by previous work such as laying pipes which causes subsidence a few months later.

"Often all that is done to potholes is that a bag of Tarmac with some resin is poured into the hole, given a couple of dunts with a so-called levelling tool and we're left with something resembling a patchwork quilt the height of a Munro.

"This causes problems for vehicles which then need new springs, shock absorbers and tyres.

"The steered wheels get put out of alignment and have to be readjusted.

"It adds up to about £300 extra a year per vehicle."

Eagle Couriers drivers for out on the roads 24/7 delivering to more than 3500 clients.

They have a total of 80 drivers including those in Edinburgh, with repairs there costing £24,000 a year.

Although repairs following individual incidents are not particularly expensive, when the separate costs for wheels, tyres and suspension damage are added up it is costly.

Eagle Couriers has more than 30 years' experience on Scotland's roads, but says they are now in their worst state.

The other top 10 worst roads in and around Glasgow include Crow Road, Renfrew Road, Dumbarton Road at Clydebank and Great Western Road.

A council spokesman said: "We are investing £6million in our city's roads over the next two years, building on around £46m already invested over the last three years.

"The city is concentrating on identifying damaged roads and treating them at an early stage.

"This year we are targeting busy city centre streets and residential roads, wiping out thousands of potholes.

1. Hardgate Road

Which runs alongside the city's Southern General Hospital (the worst road by far with some potholes more than 5ft long)

2. Blochairn Road

Several potholes and trenches, while road is also breaking up.

3. A8 from Shieldhall Road to Edmiston Drive

Very busy road in extremely poor condition with potholes, missing and broken drain/utility covers and pavements breaking up.

4. Crow Road

Entire road has potholes and raised or sunken covers.

5. Renfrew Road

Many potholes.

6. Byres Road Potholes and broken Tarmac.

7. Dumbarton Road towards Clydebank

Sinking drain/utility covers.

8. Fulton Street

Potholes and broken Tarmac.

9. Bearsden switchback

Potholes and broken Tarmac.

10. Govan Road Covered in potholes at various points.