Highways Maintenance and Integrated Transport Funding

Opened the debate

The MP highlights the significant issue of potholes and road deterioration in Stoke-on-Trent, emphasising the need for increased investment due to decades of underfunding. He mentions a £39 million project initiated by Councillor Abi Brown in 2019 that involved resurfacing over 1,200 roads and fixing more than 30,000 potholes. The MP also notes the introduction of the JCB Pothole Pro machinery which has doubled efficiency and halved costs. He praises the Prime Minister’s Network North announcement for unlocking £8.3 billion in funding to improve road infrastructure but argues that the current National Highways funding formula is inadequate, putting pressure on local authorities like Stoke-on-Trent with a low council tax base. The MP highlights the unique geography of Stoke-on-Trent and its reliance on cars due to the lack of tram or underground networks. He discusses his regular pothole patrols and mentions specific roads in need of repair such as Gloucester Road and Newchapel Road in Kidsgrove. He advocates for changes in the funding formula to better reflect road usage, considering factors like heavy goods vehicle traffic which adversely affect city roads. The MP also expresses appreciation for local efforts opposing anti-motorist policies like ULEZ and emphasises the importance of levelling up investment in Stoke-on-Trent.

Government Response

The Minister acknowledges the importance of road maintenance and congratulates Jonathan Gullis for his efforts. He mentions a significant increase in funding, with Stoke-on-Trent receiving an additional £378,000 this month as part of Network North uplifts. Over 11 years, Stoke-on-Trent will receive over £22 million extra. The Minister also discusses the new Local Integrated Transport Settlement fund and its potential for improving local transport infrastructure such as upgrading road junctions or reducing congestion. He emphasises that all local highway authorities are receiving more than they expected in funding. Regarding ringfencing of funds, the minister states that while it is not legally ringfenced, he expects every penny to be spent on highway maintenance activities. There will also be new reporting requirements for councils to publish summaries of their road repair work quarterly and annually. The Minister discusses potential changes in the funding formula but notes no immediate plans due to concerns about winners and losers across different areas. He acknowledges Gloucester Road as a specific road mentioned by Jonathan Gullis, stating that good-quality roads are essential and upgrades are important. He mentions encouraging new technologies like the JCB Pothole Pro and initiatives such as Live Labs for innovative ways of managing and maintaining local roads in an environmentally friendly manner.