POTHOLES in the region have been dubbed “invisible death traps” by petitioners demanding urgent action.

Angry motorists have raised the petition calling for Scottish Borders Council to prevent accidents and continued damage to vehicles by repairing surfaces.

After only a few days, 700 signatures had been added to the protest.

Some motorists have revealed they are being forced to drive dangerously on most Borders roads to avoid hitting potholes.

Cyclists have also added their concerns - not only about the potholes but the crumbling verges they encounter on most routes.

Peebles community councillor Olga Olesheva started the petition.

She said: “I started the petition as I am concerned about the safety of motorists in the Scottish Borders.

"The volume of potholes is very high. Some were repaired but have opened up again.

"We need our roads to be maintained well and daily reports of damaged vehicles are an unacceptable state of affairs. When it rains potholes become invisible death traps.”

Ms Olesheva urged people to sign her petition in the hope it would force the local authority into investing in permanent repairs and road resurfacing.

However, leader of Scottish Borders Council Shona Haslam blames 10 years of under investment by the previous administration for the state of the region's roads.

She said: “In the last two years this council has sorted out Dirtpot Corner, resurfaced Walkerburn to Thornielee, resurfaced Innerleithen High Street, and resurfaced most of Drumelzier to the border of Dumfries and Galloway.”

Councillor Haslam agrees more has to be done.

But she revealed that increased spending has been made towards the carriageways.

Councillor Haslam added: "Catching up will take time and money.

"Money that as a council we are struggling to find due to cuts in our budget from the Scottish Government for these bread and butter council issues.

“The Westminster Government have set up a pothole fund for councils in England, it would be great to have something similar for Scotland.”

To report a pothole online reports can be made to Scottish Borders Council as well as calling customer advice and support services on 0300 100 1800.