Further cuts could be made to the major road network programme in next month's budget, the new roads minister Simon Lightwood has signalled, warning industry that 'tough decisions' lie ahead.

After axing billions of pounds worth of schemes in 2024 and several more high-profile schemes worth over £1bn this July, the Government announced that it would continue to support 28 schemes on the major road network - made up of key routes outside of the strategic roads handled by National Highways.

These schemes were focused on 'junctions, bypasses and traffic-easing projects which will improve millions of congested commutes and unlock further housing and jobs', the Department for Transport (DfT) said.

Speaking at an industry event, Mr Lightwood said: 'It is no secret that this government inherited an extremely difficult economic situation, so we have been forced to place the remaining planned schemes under review. By assessing whether these projects are useful, affordable and deliverable, we can then decide how best to spend taxpayers' hard-earned pounds.

'So I will level with you, there will be some difficult decisions ahead but let me assure you that we remain committed to strengthening our major road network.'

Mr Lightwood also confirmed that 'later this autumn' the DfT plans to publish council ratings to highlight which authorities are 'leading the way on road maintenance'.

'And because we believe in support alongside scrutiny, we will ensure that every authority has the support and the tools that they need to succeed.'

The moves come after local authorities were asked to publish reports on road maintenance as part of a DfT transparency drive following criticism that there was a lack of knowledge on what local authority roads funding was achieving.

An extra £500m was put into local maintenance this year; however, local authorities had to publish progress reports and 'prove that they are following best practice to unlock their full funding' or lose 25% of the uplift, as Mr Lightwood reiterated.

Highways sources suggest council ratings will come in red, amber and green categories, with earlier plans to publish a full league table eventually rejected.

From January, councils must also spend half of their lane rental income on fixing and maintaining roads, Mr Lightwood stated.