Fix the roads we have before building new ones. Borders roads are breaking up faster than the council can repair them, and rural communities are paying the price.
What’s happening
- A huge backlog. Fully repairing Borders roads would cost about £123 million, against around £5 million available, according to figures given at Peebles Community Council in January 2026. Resurfacing Peebles High Street is unlikely before 2028.
- Heavy lorries. Timber lorries are damaging rural roads such as the Dawyck road, and lorries on narrow streets are a safety worry near schools like Kingsland Primary.
- Bridges. The council says the Leithen footbridge in Innerleithen will no longer be repaired; a replacement fit for the Tweed Trail would cost about £150,000. Innerleithen Community Council wants a permanent weight limit on the golf course bridge to stop repeat damage.
- Parking. Hourly parking charges in Peebles have risen to £1, but the income is pooled across the Borders rather than spent where it is raised.
- Trunk roads such as the A1, A7 and A68 are run by Transport Scotland, not the council.
Our position
- Repair first. A properly funded, published programme of road and pavement repairs, prioritising routes to schools, bus routes and rural links.
- Make those who cause the damage pay. Large forestry and energy developments should fund repairs to the roads their lorries wear out.
- Get timber off the roads. Agreed timber haulage routes, and more timber moved by rail and sea.
- Fair funding. A funding formula that recognises the Borders’ long rural road network, and devolved road taxation so Scotland can invest properly.
- Spend parking income locally on the roads and pavements of the town where it was raised.
- Safer streets. 20mph in towns and villages, 40mph on rural roads popular with walkers and cyclists, and safe routes to every school.
