Rising inflation and energy costs are forcing councils to cut funding for new roads and pothole repairs throughout the country…
Councils Cut Funding
New research, conducted by Local Government Association (LGA), suggests that global events have created a “perfect storm” for councils and local authorities throughout the country. Soaring inflation, rising costs of materials and the Russian invasion of Ukraine are all placing serious financial pressures on local government. Notably, this is forcing them to reduce funding for the construction of new roads and for pressing pothole repairs.
Councils are now stating that Westminster must take urgent action, and cover the gaps in funding – or risk a serious decline in the state of the nation’s road network. For perspective, most councils have seen road-related costs rise by 22% over recent months. This is largely due to the rising cost of bitumen, a widely used material in making road repairs. Russia is the largest supplier to the European market, and so its invasion of Ukraine has caused costs to soar.
Even before the current economic situation, councils were under immense pressure to repair local roads. It’s been estimated that getting local roads into a satisfactory state will cost £12 billion and will take ten years’ worth of work.
Councillor David Renard, the transport spokesperson for the LGA, said “only with adequate long-term funding – to cover increased cost pressures and invest in local services – and the right powers, can councils deliver for our communities, tackle the climate emergency, and level up all parts of the country”.
‘Plagues of Potholes’
Jack Cousens, head of roads policy at the AA commented on the predicament local authorities have found themselves in. He said, “roads maintenance is expensive, and the price of materials is only making the situation worse”.
He continued, “plagues of potholes, streets with worn-out road markings and hedges covering important road signs seem to increase daily. Warnings over the price of salt will worry road users that a harsh winter could cut them and their communities off from accessing vital services. And that is before they haul in the millions of pounds from the moving traffic violation enforcement powers they have been given. Whilst understanding the increase in prices of materials, there should be adequate funds from traffic and parking revenue to fill those holes”.
Fleets Warned Of Grey Fleet Duty Of Care Risk – https://autoservefleet.co.uk/latest-news/fleets-warned-of-grey-fleet-duty-of-care-risk/
Government To Invest £20 Million In ‘Local’ EV Chargers – https://autoserve.co.uk/motoring-news/government-to-invest-20-million-in-local-ev-chargers/