Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Road Congestion 2026-07-16

Thursday 16 July 2026 · 3 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Department provides legislative support for local councils to manage road networks through lane rental schemes.
  • The Department is investing in road maintenance and extending overrun charges for disruptive street works to weekends and bank holidays.
  • The Secretary of State is willing to meet with the hon. Gentleman to discuss and address disruptions caused by improvements to the road network in his constituency.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Bayo Alaba Ind
Transport
Context

The question arises from the need for local councils to manage their road networks effectively and address high levels of congestion.

Question

What support does her Department provide to areas with high levels of road congestion?

Answer from Lilian Greenwood

Congestion can cause real problems, and although local councils are responsible for managing their road networks, the Department has been focused on enabling them to minimise disruption. We have legislated to introduce numerous lane rental schemes and are devolving powers to establish future schemes to mayors.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The question specifically asks about support provided by the department but only mentions enabling local councils with legislative changes without detailing actual support mechanisms or funding.

How: Legislative Changes

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Q2 Bayo Alaba Ind
Transport Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

Rochford's road network struggles with standstill traffic and supply chain issues due to delivery drivers refusing to navigate outdated highways, impacting local businesses and growth potential.

Question

My constituents regularly find themselves stuck in standstill traffic as a result of Rochford's struggling road network. I have also heard from Baltic Wharf and my farming community about supply chain issues due to the refusal of delivery drivers to navigate Rochford district's outdated highways. What support can the Minister provide to rural and coastal constituencies that want to enhance highway connectivity?

Answer from Lilian Greenwood

I am sorry to hear about the issues facing my hon. Friend's constituents; I know how much he does to promote their interests. This Government are investing record sums in road maintenance, and we have strengthened the rules on disruptive street works by extending overrun charges to weekends and bank holidays and doubling fines.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The question asks for specific support to enhance highway connectivity but receives a general statement about investment without concrete details or action plans.

How: Investment In Road Maintenance, Strengthening Rules On Disruptive Street Works

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Q3 Ben Spencer Con
Transport
Context

The A244 has increasing traffic due to roadworks on the M25 and A3, affecting Oxshott in the constituency. The question seeks a meeting with the Secretary of State to improve and reduce traffic.

Question

The A244 has too much traffic and heavy goods vehicles following roadworks on the M25 and A3. It goes through Oxshott in my constituency, and increasing numbers are using it as a shortcut. We need that to stop. Will the Secretary of State meet me and work with our local community to improve and reduce traffic on the A244?

Answer from Lilian Greenwood

I have met the hon. Gentleman in the past to talk about some of the disruptions caused by improvements to the road network in his constituency. I am sure that the Roads and Buses Minister would be happy to continue those discussions.

Not addressed: The question asks for a specific meeting but receives an offer to meet with another minister, changing the subject from traffic improvement to general discussion.

How: Meetings With Roads And Buses Minister

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