Tory MSP Peter Chapman wonders if having each of the 32 councils manage their roads separately is the best way to manage local networks.

Martin Reid says getting local authorities to use the same approach is difficult, but he suggests joint procurement exercises could be the way forward.

Collaboration is very important, agrees Alistair Speedie.

Keith Irving says long-term planning is needed to manage assets, which does not really exist just now with transport authorities tending to focus on 3-5 year cycles.

Keith Robertson points to a successful collaboration between the Tayside councils for several years and he also welcomes the Ayrshire councils efforts in this regard too.

SNP MSP Richard Lyle asks for views on a national road users charging scheme.

Mr Robertson says his immediate concern would be for disabled people in rural areas, whose only means of transport would be on the roads.

This would lead to them being unfairly taxed, he adds.

Paul White agrees rural bus services would have to be looked at alongside such a scheme.

Keith Robertson insists it is not just about the money that is spent, but how it is spent and the quality.

The height of drop kerbs are highlighted as a specific issue which is often not given due consideration.

He tells the committee of issues he has faced as a wheelchair use because inspectors have not attended sites.

Mr Finnie asks about plans to expand the trunk road network, suggesting it is akin to adding an extension to the house without fixing issues first.

Keith Irving from Cycling Scotland says trunk roads and local roads ought to be looked at holistically.

The Mobility and Access Committee's Keith Robertson says problems with local roads can create barriers to people getting out their homes, which in turn leads to social isolation.

Spending on roads could ultimately save in the health budget he states.

Paul White from the Confederation of Passenger Transport calls for a 10 to 20 year plan and ring-fencing of funds for road maintenance.

Paths for All's Ian McCall says it is difficult to find out how much money is spent on foot and cycle path maintenance, suggesting it is not considered important.

Green MSP John Finnie asks about the assessment that current levels of investment is unlikely to stop roads from deteriorating.

Alistair Speedie from the Timber Transport Forum says if budgets continue to diminish, the roads will continue to get worse.

Roads are the basic foundation for everything and a good network is essential for the economic wellbeing of the country he suggests.

Martin Reid from the Road Haulage Association explains deterioration leads to additional cost of hauliers and calls for "at least the same, if not more, investment" in rural roads that there currently is.

Image source, PA

Winter is the season when most potholes appear on roads. But is the problem becoming worse year-on-year?

You might not see them as you drive along the UK's roads, but the chances are you'll feel them. Potholes - collapsed areas in the tarmac resulting from the pressure of traffic and bad weather - are a menace for motorists.

They send a shudder up the spine, damage vehicles' suspension and can make them career in the wrong direction. Cyclists are vulnerable to being thrown from their saddles, with potentially deadly consequences.

The AA says insurance claims, external for accidents involving pothole-related repairs are on the increase.

Image source, bbc

The Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee , externalconvener Edward Mountain introduces...

• Keith Robertson from the Mobility and Access Committee in Scotland, external
• Martin Reid from the Road Haulage Association, external
• David Sulman from Timber Transport Forum, external
• Alistair Speedie from Timber Transport Forum, external
• Paul White from the Confederation of Passenger Transport, external
• Keith Irving from Cycling Scotland, external
• Ian McCall from Paths For All, external

Read the committee papers here., external

The Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee will now begin its pre-budget/financial scrutiny on roads maintenance in 15 minutes.

MSPs will take evidence from:

• Keith Robertson from the Mobility and Access Committee in Scotland
• Martin Reid from the Road Haulage Association
• David Sulman from Timber Transport Forum
• Alistair Speedie from Timber Transport Forum
• Paul White from the Confederation of Passenger Transport
• Keith Irving from Cycling Scotland
• Ian McCall from Paths For All

Image source, bbc

and then from:

• Stewart Turner from the Society of Chief Officers of Transportation in Scotland
• Ewan Wallace from the Society of Chief Officers of Transportation in Scotland
• Councillor Steven Heddle from COSLA
• Robert Nicol from COSLA
• Donald Morrison from Transport Scotland
• Angela Owen from Transport Scotland

Image source, bbc

Welcome to BBC Scotland's online coverage of the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday 2 October 2019.

Here's what we're covering at the Scottish Parliament today:

• 9.30 am: The Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee will take evidence on road maintenance from cyclist organisations, road hauliers and others
• 2.00 pm: Portfolio Questions: Rural economy and then transport, infrastructure and connectivity
• 2.40-3.50 pm:Labour Party Debate: calling for an end to the postcode lottery of nursery funding for parents who defer sending their children to primary school before they turn five years old
• 3.50-5.00 pm:Labour Party Debate: End Abellio ScotRail franchise
• 6.10 pm: Decision Time
• 6.10 pm: Members’ Business: Emma Harper – Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week

Image source, Getty Images