Local Road Condition 2025-02-13

2025-02-13

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Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Emma Foody Lab/Co-op
Cramlington and Killingworth
Context
Emma Foody references a recent meeting with the Roads Minister, Lilian Greenwood, and National Highways regarding critical infrastructure projects in her constituency.
I recently met the roads Minister—the Under-Secretary of State for Transport, my hon. Friend the Member for Nottingham South (Lilian Greenwood)—and National Highways about the need for investment in Seaton Burn and Moor Farm roundabouts. Those critical pieces of infrastructure are already struggling with capacity and congestion. The local councils and the North East combined authority have all highlighted the fact that upgrades will be crucial for growth in the north-east. Will the Secretary of State consider how this Government could support the project, and whether the scheme can test a new form of transport business case for projects intended to deliver growth in all of our regions?
I am very grateful to my hon. Friend for her question. I know she is a committed advocate for improvements to the road network in the north-east. I recognise the importance of Moor Farm and Seaton Burn roundabouts to her local area, and I assure her that both are being considered as part of a pipeline of projects for our future road investment strategy.
Assessment & feedback
Specific funding or action commitment
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Robbie Moore Con
Keighley and Ilkley
Context
A freedom of information request revealed that in the Bradford district, only £4 million out of £49 million spent on identified highways projects over six years was allocated to Keighley and Ilkley constituency areas.
A recent freedom of information request revealed that, of identified highways spending across the Bradford district by Bradford council over the past six years, £49 million was spent within Bradford city itself, but only £4 million was spent in Keighley and my wider constituency, despite streets such as Elliott Street in Silsden being in a very poor state of repair. Will the Secretary of State write to leaders at Bradford council and remind them that highways spending needs to be spent equally across the whole Bradford district, including places such as Keighley and Ilkley, and not just within Bradford city centre?
I am not the sort of Secretary of State who would sit at my desk in Whitehall and instruct local authorities to spend certain amounts of money on certain roads. I expect local authorities to take strategic decisions based on where the investment is needed, and I will leave it to local leaders to make those decisions.
Assessment & feedback
Specific instruction or intervention from central government
I Expect Local Authorities To Decide
Response accuracy
Q3 Partial Answer
Paul Kohler LD
Wimbledon
Context
Paul Kohler highlights the poor condition of roads in his Labour-run Merton constituency, which ranks among the worst in London and the UK with over 40% of local roads rated as poor.
Too many of Britain’s roads are in a shocking state of disrepair, as the Secretary of State says. In my constituency, Labour-run Merton council has the worst roads in London and the second worst in the country. Some 40% of our local roads are rated as poor by her Department. Although I welcome the coming year’s increase in funding, that is only a short-term measure and not based on need; Merton and others have received less than authorities whose roads are in a better condition. As Labour-run Merton has failed to maintain its roads and has not been bailed out by its friends in the Government, will the Secretary of State meet me to discuss what action can be taken?
I would be very happy to meet the hon. Gentleman to ensure that roads in his constituency and across London are maintained to an adequate standard. The increase of £500 million in this year’s allocation to highways maintenance represents an average 40% increase for local authorities. It will be making the difference, and I would be happy to discuss this issue with him further.
Assessment & feedback
Specific funding commitment for Merton
Happy To Meet But No New Commitments
Response accuracy