Councils will receive £1.6 billion in funding to repair roads and fill potholes in 2025, the Government has announced.
The investment – an increase of nearly 50% on local road maintenance funding from last year – is estimated to be enough to fix the equivalent of more than seven million extra potholes in 2025 to 2026.
The Government says fixing roads and filling potholes not only makes roads safer, but also improves journey times and saves drivers money from avoidable repairs.
Sir Keir Starmer, prime minister, said: “Broken roads can risk lives and cost families hundreds if not thousands of pounds on repairs. That’s a cost that can easily be avoided by investing properly in our roads.
“Through our Plan for Change we’re determined to put more money back into the pockets of hardworking people and improve living standards. That’s why we’re giving councils funding to repair our roads and get Britain moving again – with a clear expectation that they get on with the job.”
The funding comes as figures from the RAC show drivers encounter an average of six potholes per mile in England and Wales and the cost of pothole damage to vehicles is around £500 on average, with more severe repairs costing considerably more.
According to the AA, fixing potholes is a priority for 96% of drivers.
The public is also being encouraged to report potholes in their area to their local council.
Heidi Alexander, transport secretary, said: ”Potholes have plagued motorists for far too long, but today’s record investment will start to reverse a decade of decline on our country’s roads.
“Millions will drive home for Christmas today, but too many will have to endure an obstacle course to reach their loved ones. Potholes damage cars and make pedestrians and cyclists less safe. We are investing £1.6 billion to fix up to 7 million more potholes next year.
“This government is firmly on the side of drivers. Every area of England will get extra cash to tackle this problem once and for all. We have gone beyond our manifesto commitment to back motorists and help raise living standards in every part of the country.”
Each local authority can use its share of the funding to identify which of their roads are in most need of repair and to deliver immediate fixes for communities.
The allocations include:
- More than £327 million for local authorities in north west, north east and Yorkshire and Humber
- More than £372 million for local authorities in East Midlands and West Midlands
- More than £244 million for local authorities in the East of England
- More than £322 million for local authorities in the south east and London
- More than £300 million for local authorities in the south west
Comment on this story