Milton Keynes is to receive an additional £2,806,000 to tackle potholes – the equivalent of filling in 38,832 potholes next year.
The Transport Secretary has today announced nearly £1.6 billion to fix potholes across England for next year -funding that goes well beyond Labour’s manifesto pledge, helping councils fix the equivalent of seven million potholes next year and saving drivers hundreds of pounds in repairs.
Across England, local highways authorities will receive a £500m uplift in funding as the Government looks to rebuild Britain as part of its Plan for Change. Fixing our roads and filling potholes not only makes roads safer, but they also improve journey times and save drivers money from avoidable repairs.
It 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 per cent of drivers.
The public is also being encouraged to report potholes in their area to their local council through a dedicated Gov.uk page.
Councillor Akash Nayee, Cabinet member for Public Realm at Milton Keynes City Council said:
“With this new funding Milton Keynes City Council can fill in an additional 38,832potholes next year – that will make a huge difference to local people every day of the year.
“Earlier this year this country voted for change. We voted for a government that would deliver on the things that matter to the every day lives of working people – and that is what Labour is delivering. It will take time to turn this country around, but the work of change has begun, and next year we will see real evidence of that change on local streets as potholes get filled in and we get this country back on track. “
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:
“I know British people are tired of seeing pictures of politicians aimlessly pointing at potholes with no real plan to fix them. But my government is delivering on its promise of change because we know how much this truly matters to people.
“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 infrastructure – and that’s exactly what we’re doing as part of 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 billions of pounds to repair our roads and get Britain moving again – with a clear expectation that they get on with the job and put this funding to use.”
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander 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 £1.6bn to fix up to seven 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.”
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