New PM must maintain road network investment
The Asphalt Industry Alliance has urged new Prime Minister Andy Burnham to respect Labour’s £7.3bn road network investment pledge.
At the end of last year the government announced a £7.3bn package over four years to improve the local road network. This was in addition to the £1.6bn investment to repair potholes during 2026.
The Asphalt Industry Alliance has now said that commitment needs to be met to repair a road network which it has called ‘a national disgrace.’
David Giles, chair of the Asphalt Industry Alliance, said: “We hope that incoming Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s time as Mayor of Greater Manchester has reinforced just how vital a well-maintained local road network is to supporting connectivity, economic growth and thriving communities.
“That’s why it is essential that, as his government now resets its priorities, previous commitments to invest £7.3bn in local road maintenance over the next four years are not abandoned.”
Disgraceful condition
Giles continued: “Local roads across England and Wales are already in a disgraceful condition, with the backlog of repairs now standing at a staggering £18.62bn. With every public service depending on a well-maintained and reliable road network it’s vital that the funding promised through to 2030 is delivered in full and not diverted elsewhere.
“Investment in local road maintenance not only delivers smoother, safer journeys but also boosts productivity and economic growth.
“Honouring the promised funding commitment to 2030 would help prevent the short-term, patch-and-mend approach to potholes that frustrates all road users, wastes public money and allows the condition of our local roads to deteriorate even further.”
