POTHOLES and road defects in Glasgow should be fixed first time under a new system to be approved by councillors this week.

The new plan will focus on permanent repairs rather than patching, which often needs repeating.

However, it does mean that it will probably take longer for repairs to be carried out but once they are done it should be a permanent repair.

Dangerous potholes will still be repaired to a safe standard within 24 hours, if necessary.

The Evening Times Spothole campaign has highlighted the problem in Glasgow and drawn attention to the worst examples of road damage across the city.

With the help of readers we have shown where roads are in need of repair, with many potholes presenting a danger to drivers, cyclists and pedestrians

The council is acting in a bid to make the repair of damaged roads more effective in practise and for costs.

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The current system of temporary patching where work teams travel around the city carrying out repairs costs around £1m a year.

It is deemed inefficient as often the same pothole or stretch of road is repaired on several occasions to ensure the road is safe before it gets a permanent solution.

Anna Richardson, City Convener for Sustainability and Carbon Reduction, is backing the new approach to benefit road users.

She said: “The new approach is likely to mean a slightly longer wait for repairs to be completed, but the substantial benefit is that everyone will see better roads in the longer term. First time repairs will also have the added plus of cutting back on the amount of asphalt used by the council, which is good for the city’s carbon footprint.”

Earlier this year the evening Times revealed how 1200 potholes were reported to the council in January, this year alone.

The council City Treasurer, Allan Gow, set aside £13m for roads and pavement repairs in the budget to include the new plan.

Ms Richardson added: “The new approach is likely to mean a slightly longer wait for repairs to be completed, but the substantial benefit is that everyone will see better roads in the longer term. First time repairs will also have the added plus of cutting back on the amount of asphalt used by the council, which is good for the city’s carbon footprint.”

Ms Richardson added: “Temporary patching has its place and will continue to be necessary in certain circumstances. But unfortunately temporary repairs have become discredited because they can deteriorate quickly and then need to be re-done repeatedly. This gives the impression that resources are being wasted and staff are doing a poor job.”

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The new system means a careful assessment of the risk posed by each pothole or road defect and a decision taken on providing a permanent repair.

Ms Richardson added: “So we have listened to residents who want us to do durable, permanent repairs first time around. Moving to a system of first time permanent repairs means the work will be built to last, allowing money to be spent more wisely and effectively. By focusing on first time permanent repairs it is estimated the number of temporary patches will reduce by 75 per cent , which will free up funds than can be reinvested in our roads network.”

Councillors are expected to approve the plan this week.

A council spokesman said: “Under the scheme the most serious and dangerous defects will be made safe within 24 hours with other defects either repaired within five working days or 60 workings days, depending on the level of risk they present.

“Defects categorised as a lower risk will either be included in a longer term programme of works or be the subject of on-going monitoring.”