Celebrity chef and motoring enthusiast James Martin slammed the decaying condition of Glasgow’s pothole-scarred roads as the “worst in Britain”.

The BBC1 Saturday Kitchen presenter was in Glasgow yesterday as part of a three-day, 1,800-mile road odyssey to find the best and worst roads in Britain – dubbed the Mobil 1 Mission – when he fell victim to city-centre potholes.

Martin, who has competed in classic motorsport events and has a multi-million pound car collection, said he now understood motorists’ frustration with Glasgow’s roads.

He said: “In the last couple of days we have been driving in lots of different cities, but the roads in Glasgow have, by far, been the worst.

“I’ve seen a few bad potholes since we arrived in the city and our car is kitted out with all kind of sensors and technology to analyse the road surfaces.

“So it will be interesting to see what our computer comes up with, but I’m sure Glasgow will be one of the worst in terms of road condition.

“The further out from the city you go, road conditions get better, but you have to be able to drive on city-centre roads.”

Since it was launched last year, the Evening Times Pothole Watch campaign, which highlights the deteriorating condition of the city’s roads, has found some serious problems.

Martin said: “I think its great that the Evening Times is getting behind this issue, as its something that affects us all, and something really does need to be done.”

The 38-year-old former Strictly Come Dancing contestant also believes utility firms should repair roads properly after they have dug them up – or face a hefty fine.

He added: “If they don’t fix the roads correctly, then it’s us who will be paying for their mistakes in the long run.”

Last year, the Evening Times Ripped Off Glasgow campaign revealed the extent of botched repair jobs by utility firms on the city’s streets.

We found official council inspection data showed that as many as 9,000 repairs a year by utility firms could be sub-standard.

Scotland’s roadworks commissioner John Gooday also ordered the major power and telecom firms to clean up their act. If standards are not met, fines of up to £50,000 will be issued.

In July 2009, Gooday said he was planning to use his powers to fine utility companies who failed to reinstate roads to the required standard.

The commissioner issued improvement notices to eight companies and most of Scotland’s councils.

Detailed targets have been outlined and deadlines set for compliance. Firms have until the end of the year to make repairs before they are issued with penalties.

Notices have been served on BT Openreach, Cable & Wireless, Network Rail, Scottish and Southern Energy, Scottish Gas, Scottish Power, Scottish Water and Virgin Media. All except Network Rail have been warned about the way they leave roads after digging them up to lay piping or cables, or for repairs.

Over the past year The Evening Times has also highlighted funding issues affecting the city – and scored a number of victories.

Rules were changed on areas of the city able to apply for government regeneration cash – Maryhill, Govan and Bridgeton all won money to revamp main streets and landmark buildings.