AS a motorist I am constantly complaining about the condition of the roads. Between potholes, worn broken surfaces and poor lane markings they have really deteriorated over the years.

I understand the problem. The authorities are short of funds and road maintenance budgets are just not sufficient. Incidentally, modern cars have much firmer suspension which tends to make the situation even worse.

On one road, however, I have no sympathy. The M77 was built, at great cost in 2005, under a PFI (Private Finance Initiative). Balfour Beattie was the contractor. Large repayment sums are being paid over a 30-year period for this road. This includes maintenance and, whilst the motorway, which runs from Glasgow to Kilmarnock is not the worst, the surface is badly broken in parts and should be perfect, considering the income being received.

It is just not acceptable for this PFI-financed motorway to hide under the umbrella of an excuse that "all road surfaces are substandard".

John Ewing,

Fairfield Park, Ayr.

PERHAPS R Russell Smith (Letters, January 11) should be reminded that as long as the manufacturers continue to produce vehicles capable of reaching 147 mph and beyond, the police must have vehicles and the nerve of their drivers, capable of catching them.

Bruce Henderson,

32 Dalmellington Road, Straiton, Ayrshire.