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Road Maintenance 2025-04-07
07 April 2025
Lead MP
The Secretary of State for Transport Heidi Alexander
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
No tags
Other Contributors: 46
At a Glance
The Secretary of State for Transport Heidi Alexander raised concerns about road maintenance 2025-04-07 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
Government Statement
Today, I am announcing a £1.8 billion investment in fixing local roads to address the issue of potholes and road disrepair across Britain. This includes a £500 million uplift on last year's funding, bringing the total investment to around £1.6 billion for roads maintenance this year. Local authorities will receive an additional £200 million put into big city regions to empower mayoral combined authorities in mending roads in their communities. The Government aims to fix 7 million potholes next year and has introduced new transparency measures, requiring councils to report on how the extra funding is spent by June this year. This will help ensure value for money and accountability, with a risk of losing up to a quarter of the funding uplift if local authorities fail to deliver results. Furthermore, penalties for non-compliance with roadwork regulations are being doubled, with severe offences facing fines of £1,000. The Government's approach has been positively received by organisations such as the RAC and AA.
Chris Vince
Lab Co-op
Harlow
Question
My right hon. Friend reminds me of the road on which I live, where drivers trying to avoid a pothole in the road went on to the pavement, which led to the pavement being damaged. Does she agree that fixing potholes quickly will save pavements as well?
Minister reply
Local authorities are free to use the money as they see fit, as long as they are using it in a way that represents value for money for the taxpayer. The money can be used for work on roads, pavements or structures.
Melanie Onn
Lab
Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes
Question
At my constituency surgery on Friday, my constituent Helen came to see me because she has had a terrible fall on a badly maintained pavement, and she has really been struggling to find out who is responsible for maintaining the pavement. Does anything in the funding brought forward by this Government enable quick and easy repairs to pavements, so that people like Helen do not have terrible accidents?
Minister reply
Local authorities are free to use the money as they see fit, as long as they are using it in a way that represents value for money for the taxpayer. The money can be used for work on roads, pavements or structures.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
Question
Can she throw some light on an issue that has puzzled me for some time in my New Forest East constituency? A stretch of road—Southampton Road—is often used as a short cut by very heavy goods vehicles, rather than using the appropriate route. Does this increase the wear and tear on the roads?
Minister reply
We are asking local authorities to publish a report on their websites by June this year. We are tipping more money into highways maintenance and it is absolutely right that people should see visible results on their roads.
Monica Harding
Liberal Democrats
Esher and Walton
Question
Surrey has 70,000 potholes—5% of all the nation’s potholes and the most in the country. How will this extra money help my constituents?
Minister reply
The wider transparency and accountability measures we have announced, whereby we are withholding a quarter of the funding uplift until such time as the local authority has demonstrated how it is using that money, will hopefully be of assistance to both the hon. Lady and her constituents.
Robbie Moore
Con
Keighley and Ilkley
Question
Will the Secretary of State give way?
Minister reply
I will just make a little bit of progress. I will give way to the hon. Gentleman later.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
It would be churlish of anybody in this Chamber not to welcome all the money the right hon. Lady says she will spend on roads. There is new technology for a better and more modern way of fixing potholes, cheaper and better than current methods. Will the Secretary State share this scheme?
Minister reply
We are running a number of Live Labs projects to look at how we can best make use of AI and new technology to ensure we get good value for money in delivering roads maintenance.
Robert Jenrick
Con
Nottingham West
Question
Asked about the legal basis of decisions on appropriate speed limits on local roads, stressing safety as a priority.
Minister reply
Acknowledged that decisions are for local highways authorities and prioritised road safety.
Jerome Mayhew
Con
Broadland and Fakenham
Question
Discussed the necessity of good roads in delivering economic growth and societal benefits, addressing the division between national and local infrastructure management.
Minister reply
Addressed the importance of local authority responsibility for road maintenance but highlighted the need for central government support.
David Smith
Lab
North Northumberland
Question
Asked about improving the safety on the A1 after previous dualling efforts failed.
Minister reply
Acknowledged willingness to address smaller-scale schemes for safety and congestion issues around the A1.
Witney
Question
Asked about the effectiveness of managed decline policies in Oxfordshire.
Minister reply
Refuted the notion of managed decline, citing data showing improved road conditions under Conservative governments compared to Labour.
Ayoub Khan
Ind
Birmingham Perry Barr
Question
Asked about mechanisms to address worsening roads in Birmingham.
Minister reply
Suggested voting for a Conservative local authority and highlighted data showing better road repairs under Conservative councils compared to Labour.
Question
Critiqued the effectiveness of Conservative policies in Newcastle-under-Lyme with specific examples of poor road conditions.
Minister reply
Acknowledged ongoing issues but emphasised the need for long-term funding and prioritisation of repairs.
Oliver Ryan
Ind
Burnley
Question
To quote a more recent figure from the annual local authority road maintenance 2025 report, when the Conservatives left office they left us with a backlog of £16.8 billion-worth of pothole repairs. What does he say to the people who are still driving over those potholes?
Minister reply
The hon. Member may have misunderstood me; the figure I was referring to was from 2009-10—the very last year of the Labour Government. Since then, although there have been variations because of winter and summer, the number of potholes leading to breakdowns has more than halved according to the RAC.
Alex Mayer
Lab
Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard
Question
After 14 years of Conservative rule and the increasing effects of climate change, too many of our roads are in a sorry state. Figures from the RAC show that drivers encounter, on average, six potholes per mile in England and Wales.
Minister reply
The minister welcomes the Government’s investment in improving road conditions but expresses disappointment over Central Bedfordshire council's decision to spend less of its own money rather than increasing highways spending despite a 39.7% increase from the Government.
Robbie Moore
Con
Keighley
Question
Discussed the poor state of roads in his constituency, highlighting Elliott Street and other areas like Keighley, Ilkley, Silsden, and Steeton. He mentioned a 10% increase in council tax and raised concerns about Bradford Council's allocation of funds, noting that only £4.1 million was spent on highways across the Keighley and Ilkley constituency between 2017 and 2022.
Oliver Ryan
Ind
Burnley
Question
Highlighted road maintenance issues in Burnley, Padiham, and Brierfield. He mentioned the underfunding of roads for 14 years and the upcoming £1.6 billion investment in roads this year, with Lancashire receiving a total funding package of £46.825 million.
Question
Does the hon. Friend agree with the Eastbourne seniors forum that the state of pavements outside the Halifax is disgraceful, leading to trips and falls?
Minister reply
The Minister did not provide a direct answer but acknowledged the issue of poor pavement conditions in Wimbledon and other constituencies.
Question
Improving roads is critical for economic growth. How will the funding be used to benefit Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire?
Minister reply
The Minister did not directly address this question, but Labour-run Stoke-on-Trent city council has already been using innovative solutions like the Pothole Pro to repair potholes efficiently.
Richard Gardner
Lab
Stoke-on-Trent South
Question
The communities in my constituency are being failed by our current road maintenance system, which has low consideration for road safety, moves too slowly and does not value the impact on communities. The A50, where pinch-point roundabouts cause huge delays, is an example of this issue.
John Lamont
Con
Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk
Question
Roads are essential for people in the Scottish Borders to get around. However, there has been a lack of investment by the SNP Government, leading to severe financial pressure on councils like mine. The cuts imposed have been described as 'brutal' and 'savage'.
John Lamont
Con
Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk
Question
Does my hon. Friend agree that this causes inconvenience not only to the many commuters who use the A1, but affects local businesses in Alnwick and the safety of the crossings?
Minister reply
The local press is full of stories of people who are trapped as a consequence of this Labour Government’s choice not to invest in the A1. I will now happily give way to the hon. Member for Hexham (Joe Morris), who will perhaps explain why he supports the cancelling of the A1 upgrade.
Josh Newbury
Lab
Cannock Chase
Question
Staffordshire has the worst roads in the country, with residents and staff feeling let down for far too long. Will my hon. Friend give way to discuss further?
Minister reply
I thank my hon. Friend. I think it is no coincidence that in Staffordshire we went from having no Labour MPs before the election to having nine out of 12, and that so many of us are here today to speak up for our constituents about areas of frustration, and about the failings of our county council and our hope for change in the near future.
Stratford-on-Avon
Question
For residents in Stratford-on-Avon, road maintenance is one of the most visible signs of how poorly their local area is being looked after. The funding allocated for road repairs is falling short of what is needed.
Terry Jermy
Lab
South West Norfolk
Question
I am pleased to speak in this important debate. As I travelled down this morning, I took a moment to appreciate the headline of my local newspaper, which stated...
Glasgow West
Question
The hon. Member highlighted the severe pothole issues in Glasgow's Great Western Road, which has seen a significant increase in compensation payouts to drivers due to road deterioration. She called for better enforcement and cooperation between utility companies and the council to avoid repeated digging up of roads.
Scott Arthur
Lab
Edinburgh South West
Question
The hon. Member praised Edinburgh's independently assessed road condition indicator improvement but pointed out that Scotland’s roads are in a horrendous state, with more than 400,000 potholes reported since 2021. He called for the Scottish Government to set up a similar fund as the UK Government and show ambition when it comes to addressing the pothole crisis.
Derby North
Question
According to the RAC, Derbyshire is the area with the most potholes on record in England. The Conservative-run county of Derbyshire had a whopping 90,000 potholes last year, with the next-worst area having more than 20,000 fewer. This Government’s £1.6 billion investment in potholes means £75 million for the East Midlands combined county authority, but fixing those potholes only scratches the surface of the work that is needed.
Minister reply
The Government has committed significant sums to repair roads and fill millions of potholes across the country, including a record £1.6 billion for local councils. Derbyshire will benefit from this investment.
Tom Hayes
Lab
Bournemouth East
Question
For 14 long years, road users in Bournemouth got a raw deal with broken roads and the lack of investment is a false economy. The Government has committed an additional £4.8 billion to deliver vital road schemes and maintain major roads across the country, including handing councils a record £1.6 billion to repair roads and fill millions of potholes.
Minister reply
My own Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole council has received more than £10 million from the Government to fix our roads over the next 12 months.
Peter Swallow
Lab
Bracknell
Question
Following Labour’s success in winning control of Bracknell Forest council, a plan was set out to invest £5 million over four years including an extra £1 million over the baseline in this year’s budget. On top of that local investment, there is a 35% uplift in Bracknell’s potholes budget which is £3.2 million more.
Minister reply
Bracknell Forest council is using the investment to address the pressing need for more parking and deliver on their priorities for residents.
Question
A specific example provided by an unspecified MP mentioned disruptions due to utility companies on Yorktown Road in Sandhurst where repeated roadworks caused significant inconvenience to residents, leaving the resurfaced roads in a terrible state.
Minister reply
Not specified in given text.
Leigh Ingham
Lab
Stafford
Question
Discussed extensive disruption from roadworks across Stafford and surrounding areas, criticising the lack of strategic planning between organisations leading to repeated closures. Mentioned £40 million funding but questioned its effective use.
Minister reply
Not specified in given text.
Joe Morris
Lab
Hexham
Question
Spoke about neglected roads under previous governments, citing dangerous conditions like the B6307 and poor repairs on rural roads. Called for improved communication and proper funding.
Minister reply
Not specified in given text.
Peter Prinsley
Lab
Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket
Question
Stressed the need for better road maintenance with only 36% of local roads in good condition, highlighting impacts on both motorists and cyclists.
Minister reply
Not specified in given text.
Andrew Rosindell
Con
Romford
Question
Would the hon. Member sympathise with my concerns about underfunding from the Mayor of London affecting road maintenance in areas like Romford, despite taking huge sums of money from constituents?
Minister reply
I understand the hon. Member's concern regarding underfunding for road maintenance by higher authorities such as the Greater London Authority. However, it is important to address the chronic underfunding that former Conservative Governments inflicted on councils across England, which has led to the current state of our roads.
Wolverhampton North East
Question
The hon. Member for Broadland and Fakenham dismissed the issue of deteriorating road conditions. Can you provide evidence that Wolverhampton North East is experiencing a significant decline in road quality?
Minister reply
I acknowledge the concerns raised by residents of Wolverhampton North East regarding the state of their roads. The Government’s commitment to provide £1.6 billion for local highways maintenance across England, with £500 million specifically allocated to fixing 7 million potholes, is a step forward in addressing these issues. For Wolverhampton, this will support significant investment of £9.7 million in funding for the financial year, aiming to implement resurfacing and surface stressing treatments that will last.
Kevin Bonavia
Lab
Stevenage
Question
The Conservative-run county council in Hertfordshire has failed on road repairs, leaving roads in a state of total disrepair. How can the Government ensure proactive reporting and better allocation of funds to address this issue?
Minister reply
The Government is committed to improving road maintenance through strategic investment and innovative technologies. While addressing systemic issues such as underfunding by previous Governments remains crucial, we will work with local authorities to implement more effective reporting systems from the ground up and ensure better use of available funds for critical repairs.
Lee Pitcher
Lab
Doncaster East and the Isle of Axholme
Question
Potholes are not just an inconvenience but a danger, damaging vehicles, putting cyclists and pedestrians at risk, and disrupting daily life. Doncaster’s roads have a repair backlog sitting in the hundreds of millions due to increased costs and budget cuts by previous governments.
Minister reply
Thankfully, this Government has recognised the importance of tackling the pothole crisis and has increased funding for local authorities. £2.3 million is allocated to North Lincolnshire and £6.7 million to South Yorkshire, providing councils with tools needed not only to maintain current standards but also to improve road conditions.
Andrew Rosindell
Con
not specified
Question
Does the hon. Gentleman agree that it is better to give funding directly to local councils instead of mayors, so money can be spent more specifically in areas where constituents need it?
Minister reply
Council leaders and devolved mayors know their area very well and work closely with constituencies to ensure funds are allocated appropriately. For instance, Mayor Ros Jones oversees Doncaster and ensures funds go to necessary locations.
Emma Foody
Lab/Co-op
Cramlington and Killingworth
Question
In my constituency, potholes are a danger causing vehicle damage, risking cyclists and pedestrians, costing money for repairs. This situation is the legacy of poor service under the previous Conservative administration. North Tyneside has seen staggering levels of negligence resulting in £250k in payouts due to inadequate road maintenance.
Minister reply
The Labour Government plans to deliver real results with a new funding allocation scheme. The North East combined authority will receive over £21 million for immediate action, and overall, £4.8 billion will be invested into major road schemes to ensure safer roads, fewer potholes, and more confidence in the transport system.
David Williams
Lab
Stoke-on-Trent North
Question
Residents feel forgotten with poor road conditions leading to vehicle damage, safety concerns for cyclists and bikers. Staffordshire county council's highway recovery plan has yet to improve areas like Kidsgrove where pavements are broken or fenced off for over four years.
Minister reply
We urge councils to act on the allocated funds immediately and address these urgent road maintenance issues.
Question
The hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent North (David Williams) questioned whether Ministers and the Secretary of State are backing innovative councils like Stoke-on-Trent to get basic road repairs done properly, especially in areas that have been neglected.
Minister reply
The Minister responded by welcoming the extra funding given to both Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, acknowledging the need for delivery alongside financial support. She emphasised the importance of backing innovative councils such as Stoke-on-Trent city council to ensure effective road maintenance.
Question
The hon. Member for Scarborough and Whitby (Alison Hume) discussed pothole damage in her constituency, noting that it costs drivers around £600 on average with severe repairs costing much more. She also highlighted the patchwork approach to repairs and called for permanent solutions.
Minister reply
The Minister acknowledged the importance of quality road repair work and welcomed the caveat attached to the funding that requires combined authorities to publish annual progress reports, ensuring that money is used effectively.
Question
In response to the debate, Jerome Mayhew questioned whether the Minister agreed with the Local Government Association's assessment of funding cuts and vehicle excise duty increases impacting local authorities' ability to fund roads.
Minister reply
The Minister did not directly address these questions in the provided transcript but generally welcomed the contributions from MPs regarding their respective constituencies’ road conditions.
Question
Asked if the Minister would give way on a point of order regarding correcting a misquote during the debate.
Minister reply
The Minister did not give way but Madam Deputy Speaker acknowledged the issue and it is now recorded.
Question
Asked if any Reform MPs have constituents with pothole issues, noting their absence during debates.
Minister reply
The Minister highlighted that people can see for themselves which party is on the side of motorists and road users.
Robbie Moore
Bradford North
Question
Asked about ensuring fair distribution of highway spending across an entire district rather than just city centres.
Minister reply
The Minister emphasised that it is for local councils, elected by local people, to decide their own priorities regarding road maintenance.
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