Hope for nation's ruined roads as local authorities set to see £1.6 billion pothole repair fund
Potential good news for bikers as the Department for Transport (DfT) have confirmed that local authorities will begin to see a share of £1.6 billion from mid-April to help fight against potholes, with councils now having to prove the repairs they’ve done or face missing out on funds.
“Fixing the basic infrastructure this country relies on is central to delivering national renewal, improving living standards and securing Britain’s future through our Plan for Change,” Prime Minister, Keir Starmer commented.
The 10-figure sum includes an additional £500 million cash injection and is said to be enough to fix seven million extra holes.
As part of the deal councils in England must publish a full progress report on their annual road repairs – with those lagging behind losing their share of £125 million (25% of the additional £500m uplift).
But not everyone is convinced by the move. “Government commitments to local roads spending are welcome, but short-term cash injections, even with greater accountability and strings attached, are not likely to improve conditions,” Asphalt Industry Alliance (AIA) Chair, David Giles said in response.
An AIA report published in mid-March revealed a £16.81 billion waiting list in local authority road repairs covering England and Wales.
“Local authorities have told us they would need their budgets to more than double for next five to 10 years to tackle the backlog of repairs,” Giles continued. “That’s why we have been calling for a multi-year frontloaded and ring-fenced funding commitment, similar to those that the rail and motorway sectors benefit from.”
Elsewhere, the National Motorcyclists Council (NMC) welcomed the funding, but drew on the AIA report to suggest more money will be required in the future.
“Progress reporting is a key part of the solution,” NMC Executive Director, Craig Carey-Clinch said. “Potholes and road surface defects are extremely hazardous for riders. The same pothole that can damage a car, could have a far more serious consequence for a motorcyclist.”
Elsewhere, Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander announced £4.8bn in funding for motorways and major A-roads across 2025 and 2026.
