House of Commons · Westminster Hall
07 May 2024 · 1 other contributor · 3,606 words
Opened by Gareth Johnson Con Dartford
Responding minister: Guy Opperman
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Gareth Johnson raised concerns about a226 galley hill road — [david mundell in the chair] in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
I formally ask the Government to intervene and fund the repair or replacement of the road while KCC and Thames Water resolve their dispute over liability. Surveys need to be carried out as soon as possible by legal means if necessary.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
The road named Galley Hill in Dartford collapsed on April 10, 2023. There were at least 47 serious water leaks on this stretch of the A226 route over a period of four years prior to the collapse. The road's closure for over a year has caused significant inconvenience and reduced business takings due to lengthy diversions. Two main issues are unresolved: establishing liability between Kent County Council (KCC) and Thames Water, and gaining access to private land for surveys.
The road closure has caused significant strain on the A2 and affected local travel, particularly for bus users and those commuting to Ebbsfleet International railway station. It takes up to half an hour to exit the car park at Ebbsfleet, doubling journey times. Adam Holloway calls for government intervention in reopening the road, suggesting the Minister should underwrite necessary works to avoid legal disputes.
Government Response
Guy OppermanIt is a pleasure to serve under the chairmanship of Mr Mundell. The issue at Galley Hill Road in Swanscombe, while significant to local residents and businesses, falls within the responsibilities outlined by the Highways Act 1980, primarily placing liability on Kent County Council for road maintenance. However, acknowledging the complexity and scale of the problem, the Department for Transport (DFT) is committed to assisting with technical expertise and potentially additional funding contingent upon legal agreements that clarify blame and ensure no taxpayer burden. The DFT has allocated £181 million in highway maintenance funding to Kent since 2019 and an additional £135 million from Network North funding between 2023 and 2034, indicating a substantial increase in financial support. The minister proposes convening a meeting involving Kent County Council and Thames Water, inviting all necessary legal teams for mediation or tribunal proceedings to determine causation and liability. Should Thames Water be found liable, the Government would step in with further assistance. The DFT's door remains open for ongoing collaboration and resolution of this issue.