London Boroughs to receive extra £235 million in funding for road resurfacing
Londoners can expect smoother and safer journeys as the Department for Transport (DfT) announced the allocation of £235 million in extra funding to resurface roads across the capital. This funding, redirected from HS2, will be distributed to London Boroughs and Transport for London (TfL) over the next 11 years.
According to the DfT, the allocations for each London Borough and TfL have been confirmed, allowing authorities to immediately begin vital road repairs. A sum of £7.5 million has been set aside for next year alone. The allocations are based on the extent of the road network maintained by local authorities and TfL, with London Boroughs receiving around 96% of the first-year funding and TfL approximately 4%.
The Transport Secretary, in a previous announcement, stated that this additional funding aims to improve journey times and potentially save motorists up to £440 in vehicle repairs needed to fix pothole damage. This funding is part of an £8.3 billion plan, the largest ever investment into road repairs and improvements, covering over 5,000 miles of roads across England. The initiative aligns with the Government's Network North pledge to enhance journeys for all.
To ensure transparency and accountability, councils will be required to publish regular updates on the proposed road works. Failure to comply may result in the withholding of future funding.
Immediate improvements to London's road network can be expected, with £7.5 million immediately available until the end of March. Another £7.5 million will be provided in the 2024/2025 fiscal year. The remainder of the £235 million boost will be distributed until 2034, ensuring the maintenance of London's roads for the next decade.
Additionally, the Government and TfL have agreed upon a separate £250 million funding injection for 2024 to improve London's transport system. This investment will support TfL in delivering its investment program, including the procurement of new trains for the Piccadilly line. This scheme is expected to create an estimated 700 skilled rail manufacturing jobs in Yorkshire and potentially generate up to 2,000 jobs in supply chains across the country.
The Government has also taken steps to address issues related to potholes and utility companies' botched street works. Tough regulations have been introduced, including stricter inspections and increased costs for the worst offenders. Furthermore, the Government's Plan for Drivers, announced in October, includes measures such as a £70 million fund to maintain traffic flow, updated guidance for 20mph zones in England, and efforts to accelerate the rollout of electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
In addition to road repairs, the DfT is conducting a review of Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs). Following completion of the review, the DfT will consider new guidance on LTNs, with a focus on the importance of securing strong local support and addressing existing LTNs where support is lacking.
A recent survey conducted by the AA reveals that fixing potholes and investing in road maintenance is a top priority for 96% of drivers. Aside from providing smoother roads, these funds can also contribute to enhancing road safety and promoting active travel by making road surfaces safer and encouraging cyclists to use roads with increased confidence.
Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: “This Government is on the side of drivers and is investing £235 million to improve and repair London’s roads, part of the biggest-ever funding uplift for local road improvements.
“This funding is part of a long-term, 11-year plan to ensure road users across London have smoother, faster and safer journeys by using redirected HS2 funding to make the right long-term decisions for a brighter future.”
