Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Transport Infrastructure: Devon and Somerset

23 April 2024 · 4 other contributors · 4,289 words

Opened by Ian Liddell-Grainger Con Bridgwater and West Somerset

Responding minister: Guy Opperman

Transport

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Ian Liddell-Grainger raised concerns about transport infrastructure: devon and somerset in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • The Member for Bridgwater and West Somerset is concerned about potholes in Devon and Somerset, noting a reduction from 50,000 to 34,000 reported potholes in Devon from 2019 to 2022 but highlighting ongoing challenges.
  • The Member mentions Somerset's unique road conditions due to peat-based roads, complicating maintenance efforts.
  • The Member calls for increased investment in road repair technology and a collaborative approach between Devon and Somerset counties to address road issues.

Key requests to Government

The Member asks for increased investment in technology, such as machines that can efficiently repair potholes, and suggests a regional approach to purchasing these machines. He also urges the counties to work together and use every available resource to address road issues.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Ian Liddell-Grainger Con Bridgwater and West Somerset

The Member is concerned about the prevalence of potholes in Devon and Somerset, noting that although there has been a reduction in reported potholes from 50,000 in 2019 to 34,000 in 2022 in Devon, it remains a significant issue. He mentions the varying challenges each county faces, such as Somerset's peat-based roads and the 'never-ending battle' to stabilise them. The Member also highlights the disparity between the interactive pothole-reporting system used by Devon County Council and the less user-friendly one in Somerset.

Other contributors (4)
  • Mel Stride Con Central Devon

    The Member acknowledges the efforts of Ian Liddell-Grainger in championing Devon's cause, highlighting the secured £72 million for roads and transport infrastructure. He reiterates the ongoing challenge of funding road maintenance despite increased investment.

  • Richard Foord Lib Dem Honiton and Sidmouth

    Devon County Council leader John Hart stated that £9.5 million in funding is insufficient due to inflation and its impact on road maintenance, highlighting the responsibility of central government in addressing potholes.

  • Sarah Dyke Lib Dem Glastonbury and Somerton

    Adverse weather has contributed to the increase in potholes in Somerset. The speaker agrees that the government must focus on improving future resilience of roads, possibly through specific funding allocations for local authorities.

  • Simon Jupp Con St Ives

    Devon's roads are a constant concern for constituents, and MPs have campaigned consistently for more funding to repair them. The government has redirected funds from HS2 to deliver millions of pounds for Devon County Council, allowing it to invest an extra £10 million in road maintenance this year.

Government Response

Guy Opperman

I acknowledge the passion and interest of my hon. Friend the Member for Bridgwater and West Somerset in this debate on transport infrastructure in Devon and Somerset. The minister notes that the state of roads affects all constituents differently, whether as drivers, farmers, or those engaged in logistics and deliveries. He highlights significant funding uplifts to local authorities: approximately £5 million to Somerset and £9 million to Devon from the spring Budget of 2023, followed by an additional maintenance funding increase of 30% for both areas due to HS2 decisions in October 2023. The total additional funding provided since these measures includes roughly £15 million in the spring Budget of 2023 and a further £10 million in 2023-24, making it transformative. The minister emphasizes increased support for various forms of transportation: substantial enhancements to Devon's active travel budget by over £6 million and Somerset's by over £3 million since 2020. He acknowledges the importance of long-term planning and accountability within local authorities through annual plans that detail intended uses of funding. The Government encourages quality work in road maintenance, better subcontractor management practices, and ensuring effective winter weather preparations to maintain road integrity. Specific examples of roads benefiting from new funding include A37 Whitstone Road in Shepton Mallet, A39 Puriton Hill in Bawdrip, A358 Cross Keys roundabout in Norton Fitzwarren, and B3090 Marston Road in Selwood for Somerset; while Axminster to Yarcombe and Ashburton to Widworthy will see improvements in Devon. Additionally, there is over £330 million of investment identified through various programmes, including the A361 North Devon link road, A382 between Drumbridges and Newton Abbot, A379 bridge road in Exeter, and A38 in North Somerset. The minister concludes by welcoming further developments and stressing the importance of delivering better outcomes for all constituents through increased investment and improved infrastructure.

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