Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Road Network: Condition

Thursday 26 June 2025 · 4 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Jim Dickson thanked the Minister for reassurance regarding the Galley Hill Road collapse and the investment of 1 billion to enhance the road network.
  • Martin Vickers inquired about improvements to the A180, and the Minister responded with the good news of 24 billion allocated for road improvements, with National Highways examining potential actions.
  • Chris Ward requested a meeting to discuss the challenges faced by Peacehaven due to the A259 road conditions, and the Minister agreed to meet to further discuss the business case for the scheme.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Jim Dickson Lab Dartford
Transport
Context

Jim Dickson raised concerns about the collapse of Galley Hill Road in Swanscombe, Kent, two years prior and the need for a solution.

Question

I thank the Minister for her answer, and for reassuring residents in Swanscombe and the surrounding areas that, two years after the collapse of Galley Hill Road, hope for a solution is in sight, thanks to the structures fund announced as part of the comprehensive spending review. Can the Minister confirm the likely timescale for the structures fund being up and running and open for bids? Will she undertake to ensure that her officials in the Department are working closely with Kent county council to maximise the chances of a successful bid to the structures fund, as I am sure she will for other parts of the country?

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Lilian Greenwood)

I thank my hon. Friend for his steadfast advocacy for people and businesses in his constituency, which I know has been blighted by the collapse of the A226 at Galley Hill. It was visiting places such as Galley Hill that led us to invest £1 billion to enhance the road network, and create a new structures fund that will repair rundown bridges, decaying flyovers and worn-out tunnels. Details on how that fund will be allocated will be announced in due course.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not provide specific timescale for the fund being open for bids or confirm direct collaboration with Kent county council beyond acknowledging investment.

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Q2 Martin Vickers Con Brigg and Immingham
Transport
Context

The MP expressed a long-standing campaign to improve the A180 road in his constituency.

Question

The Minister is familiar with the campaign that I and neighbouring colleagues have been running for many years to improve the A180. When will she have some good news for us?

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Lilian Greenwood)

I can already give the hon. Member the good news about the £24 billion allocated in the spending review for improving our nation’s roads, and as he knows, National Highways is looking closely at what can be done on the road that leads to his constituency.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not provide a specific timeline or concrete plan for A180 improvements beyond referencing general funding allocation.

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Q3 Chris Ward Lab Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven
Transport
Context

The MP highlighted the growing town of Peacehaven with limited road access, causing daily traffic congestion.

Question

Peacehaven in my constituency is a growing town, but it remains a one-road-in, one-road-out town. The daily gridlock and frequent roadworks on the A259 is the single biggest frustration and barrier to opportunity for my constituents. Will the Minister meet me to discuss how we can unlock that and provide a real boost to Peacehaven and neighbouring towns?

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Lilian Greenwood)

I appreciate how frustrating the situation is for my hon. Friend and his constituents. My officials are continuing to discuss details of the business case for the scheme with East Sussex county council, and I would of course be happy to meet him to discuss that further.

Answered
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Q4 Josh Babarinde Lib Dem Eastbourne
Transport
Context

The MP campaigned for the restoration of a train service between Eastbourne and London during the pandemic, suggesting it would help reduce traffic congestion.

Question

The Rapid Transition Alliance tells us that we can improve the quality of our roads if we support more people to use rail as a form of public transport. That is one reason why I am campaigning to restore the direct train between Eastbourne and London Bridge that was discontinued during the pandemic. Will the Minister back my campaign, with a view to helping to improve our roads and improve economic growth for Eastbourne too?

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Lilian Greenwood)

That was a creative way of asking about railways in a question about roads. This Government are committed to improving all forms of transport, so that people have a real choice about the best mode to use for their journey. We are keen for people to have the choice of sustainable transport modes, including rail, walking and cycling, as well as driving and travelling on buses. As the hon. Member will see, the Government are investing huge amounts to support our rail industry, just as we are doing to support the state of our roads.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not provide direct backing for Josh Babarinde's campaign but acknowledged government commitment to improving all forms of transport including rail.

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