TfL has no solution to unsustainable lack of roads funding

13/12/2018 | DOMINIC BROWNE

Transport for London (TfL) has admitted that its funding system for roads is unsustainable and it has no long-term solution.

TfL's five-year business plan up to 2023/24 revealed that in 2018/19 it has budgeted the cost of maintaining its roads at twice that of income for this area - £600m compared to £317m.

'London is the only part of the UK without routine government funding for its strategic road network. We are therefore left with subsidising this maintenance activity from public transport fares income. A long-term funding source for our roads must be identified,' TfL said.

It added that there is no clear end in sight to its road maintenance cuts.

'Last year we took the difficult decision to significantly reduce the programme of proactive road maintenance, on both our roads and borough roads, while maintaining safety as our top priority. Despite driving record efficiencies, we have had to continue this position.'

There are signs that more income could come in from roads through air quality charges but this could be swallowed up by TfL's wider costs - particularly related to the Crossrail delay.

'In October 2021 the Ultra Low Emission Zone will be extended to the North and South Circular roads for all vehicles. By the end of 2019 TfL will introduce a further five Low Emission Bus Zones, bringing the total number to 12 and cleaning up the air in high streets across the capital. Through these and other far-reaching measures TfL will continue to play a key role in cleaning up London’s toxic air and addressing the public health crisis that it has caused.'

In terms of safety, TfL is rolling out a major programme of 20mph speed limits. Around 8.9km of TfL roads in central London will be converted to 20mph zones by 2020, including all roads within congestion charge zone by May 2020.

Beyond 2020, TfL will expand this approach to lower the speed limit on the Inner Ring Road and a number of outer London town centres, it said.

The news follows 3,881 people being killed or seriously injured on London’s roads in 2017. This is an estimated 39% reduction against the 2005-09 baseline, following a one percentage point increase between 2016 and 2017.

TfL also plans to create half of the 73 Safer Junctions by May 2020 and 'deliver a world leading road management system to control London's traffic signals by 2020'.

On the issue of disruption, TfL said: 'We have established a new metric to better reflect the impact of disruption on our roads, with each year baselined against the previous year’s performance.'

However it added that motorists could continue to expect difficulties due to planned upgrade projects and utilities works.

Highways InProfile

latest magazine issue
Highways jobs

Structures Delivery Manager

Grade 13 £47,653 - £51,296 per annum (pay award pending)
We’re looking for an experienced and motivated Structures Delivery Manager to lead the delivery of structural asset investment Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Head of Highway Operations

Grade 15 £61,048 - £66,960 per annum (Pay award pending)
Here at Derbyshire County Council, we have been on a journey to transform the way we deliver highway services Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Sustainable Travel Team Leader

Grade 12 £43,055 - £46,439 per annum (Pay award Pending)
Are you passionate about making a positive impact on the environment and shaping a sustainable future? Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Senior Active Travel Officer

Grade 10 £17,162 - £18,764 per annum (Pay award pending)
Are you passionate about making a positive impact on how people travel? Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Project Lead - Bridges and Structures WMF3037e

£45,718 to £46,731
We are currently seeking to recruit a Project Lead to join our Bridges and Structures team Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Traffic Management Technician - WMF3040e

£27,711 - £28,624
Are you an organised and motivated individual who wants to make a difference to how our roads are managed? Cumbria / Various
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Traffic Management Officer - WMF2114e

£37,035 - £37,938
Are you an experienced and motivated professional looking to take the next step in your traffic management career? Cumbria / Various
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Technician - Highway Inspector

Grade 8 £28,797 - £30,708 per annum (Pay Award Pending)
Within the Highways Maintenance Team we are looking for an enthusiastic, customer focused and experienced person to join the Service Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Project Delivery Senior Team Leader

£74,480 - £85,964
Are you an experienced Chartered Civil Engineer (or equivalent professional qualification) Glasgow City
Recruiter: Transport Scotland

Assistant Traffic Management Technician - WMF2104e

£25,584 - £25,992
Westmorland and Furness Council is seeking an organised and enthusiastic individual to join our South Lakeland team Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Project Delivery Team Leader

£57,710 - £71,842
Are you an experienced Chartered Civil Engineer (or equivalent professional qualification). Glasgow City
Recruiter: Transport Scotland

Traffic Management Officer - WMF2102e

£37,035 - £37,938
This is a key role supporting the delivery a wide range of traffic and road safety schemes. Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Shared Service Manager (Waste) North Herts Council

£52000 - £61000 per annum
Shared Service Manager (Waste) North Herts CouncilNorth Herts CouncilPermanent, Full Time£52,866 - £61,866 per annum, plus car allowance (pay award pe England, Hertfordshire, Letchworth Garden City
Recruiter: Essex County Council

Traffic Management Officer - WMF2102e

£37,035 - £37,938
This is a key role supporting the delivery a wide range of traffic and road safety schemes. Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Assistant Traffic Management Technician - WMF2104e

£25,584 - £25,992
This is a key support role, helping to deliver a wide range of traffic and road safety schemes across South Lakeland. Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Flood Risk Engineering and Strategy Officer

£49,764 - £55,623
In line with our One Coventry Values, we want to ensure that our communities are represented across our workforce Coventry, West Midlands
Recruiter: Coventry City Council

Engineer

£44,430 - £51,663
This post is within the Highways Design and Delivery Team. London (Greater)
Recruiter: Tower Hamlets London Borough Council

Civil Enforcement Officer - WMF3013e

£27,711 -£28,624
Are you seeking an active and challenging role, part of a friendly and welcoming team? Cumbria / Various
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

UGO Bus Driver

Up to £25081.00 per annum
UGO Bus DriverPermanent, Part TimeUp to £25,081 per annum (full time equivalent)Location
Recruiter: Essex County Council

Head of Highways Operations

Salary
Somerset Council
Recruiter: Somerset Council
SUBSCRIBE NOW

Latest Video

Subscribe to Highways today to ensure you keep your finger on the pulse of everything happening in the UK road network throughout the year.

SUBSCRIBE NOW