The transport secretary has reaffirmed the new government's commitment to fix a million more potholes a year but spending details will not be confirmed until the Spending Review next year.
While the government will set out its fiscal plans in the Budget on 30 October, which will confirm departmental control totals for 2024-25, the Treasury has also launched a multi-year Spending Review which will conclude in the spring.
In a press statement ministers said the Government 'will set out how it will achieve its manifesto road resurfacing commitment at the Spending Review' raising hopes that roads is in line for a multi-year settlement.
Labour’s manifesto pledged an extra £320m over five years towards local road repairs, funded by indefinitely deferring the A27 Arundel bypass.
This was said to be on top of an extra £8bn over nine years pledged by the Tories, although that now appears to be one of many unfunded transport spending commitments that the new government said it had discovered since coming to power.
Given that the previous government did not set out 'core' or 'additional' local authority highway maintenance allocations beyond the current year, it will be impossible to tell whether the new administration has provided extra funding.
Transport secretary Louise Haigh, said: ‘From drivers to bikers to cyclists, everyone who uses our roads deserves a safe and pleasant journey. That’s why I’ve pledged to support local authorities to fix up to one million more potholes per year.
‘Blackpool Council are already doing fantastic work to make the most of new technology to repair potholes faster. This should be a model for every community to learn from and help deliver the roads their drivers deserve, so that Britain can get moving.’
On a visit to Blackpool, Ms Haigh saw how the local highway authority is using high-definition imagery to spot defects.
Since 2019, Blackpool has seen significant reductions in its compensation bill for pothole related pay outs. In previous years it was paying up to £1.5 million a year to settle claims. Last year it only paid out £719.
The Department for Transport said it is hoped these systems and successes can be replicated across the country.
Paula Burdess, Blackpool Council’s cabinet member for community safety, street scene and neighbourhoods, said: ‘Blackpool has always been synonymous with innovation – how we look after our roads is no different. I’m really proud that Blackpool are leading the way nationally with innovative road maintenance.
‘Our highways team work extremely hard to keep the roads functioning for residents and visitors to the town. We continually strive to use new methods that are quicker and less disruptive, alongside materials that are longer-lasting and better for the environment.
‘By repairing the roads at an early stage we can also avoid more costly repairs in the future and ensure our roads stay stronger for longer to create a better Blackpool.'
