Thousands of taxpayers pounds have spent by Perth and Kinross Council on pothole compensation. Over the past five years, the local authority has shelled out more than £15,000 paying back drivers whose cars have been damaged by potholes. The figures, obtained by the Scottish Conservatives through Freedom of Information, don’t include the many drivers who sustain burst tyres and suspension problems, but cannot face the lengthy and arduous process of claiming back the cash. The statistics also back-up research by the AA which show Scotland’s roads are in a significantly worse condition than those in the rest of the UK. Liz Smith, Scottish Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland & Fife said: “The issue of potholes is something that is raised with me time and time again when I speak to local residents. “The fact that over £15,000 has been paid out by Perth and Kinross Council on pothole compensation over the last five years could have been prevented if the roads had been maintained to a proper standard. “Even something as simple as a puncture is still an expensive inconvenience for drivers, one that can be ill-afforded in these difficult economic times. “Most drivers can’t face the tiresome prospect of claiming money back from the council, so the £15,000 paid out since 2008 will only be a fraction of the true cost to motorists.”