The GMB has raised concerns that potholes at the Polmadie Recycling Centre, are causing “serious damage” to the refuse vehicles which drive through them.
Chris Mitchell, GMB convenor, said that Refuse Collection Vehicles (RCVs) and trailer trucks have been getting tyre punctures as a result of the road conditions and there are fears they will sink into the “sinkhole” if they continue in those conditions.
Glasgow City Council said regular inspections of depot sites were carried out and they were not aware of any problems with punctures to vehicles.
They also said potholes inside the depot are caused by a fault in the asphalt surface which then wears away.
There are usually two or more layers of stone and concrete underneath the asphalt and the vehicles are sitting on top of those layers.
Concerns have also been raised by the GMB about the state of Polmadie Road which leads up to the depot.
Mr Mitchell is calling for a full resurfacing job to take place rather than a “patch up” job which he believes will save the council money in the long run.
He said: “RCVs are going along the road to the Polmadie depot and they are churning up the road.
“It is actually getting quite dangerous. It is becoming that bad that we are going to have to stop RCVs from using the road.
“We need someone to take responsibility and fix the roads – not a patch up job – a proper job with full resurfacing in that area because it really is dangerous.
“We are worried that the RCVs are going to sink and fall. The potholes are getting worse and worse and worse – from the top of Polmadie Road to the depot.
“It will cost thousands of pounds to resurface it. The vehicles are being subjected to punctures.”
Glasgow City Council says a sinkhole, which is being “implied to be the issue”, sees the surface level of asphalt sag and eventually gives way completely, usually because of a water leak that over time washes away the sub-surfaces of the road.
When the asphalt surface eventually gives way over a sinkhole it will expose a deep hole in the ground, but that is not what the pictures you have sent are showing – they show potholes.
Vehicles don’t sink in potholes, they drive through or over them, depending on the speed travelled.
A council spokesperson said: “Our depots are regularly inspected and risk assessed and remedial action is taken where appropriate.
“There is no information we are aware of that indicates surface conditions in the Polmadie depot are causing punctures in our vehicles.”
