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MPs Debate Ongoing Challenges Facing Rural Roads
Key Themes from the Debate
Coordination of Works:
Brian Matthew MP (Liberal Democrat) emphasised the importance of properly planned and coordinated works, calling for sustained investment to maintain and improve local roads.-
Communication with Residents:
Peter Fortune MP (Conservative) highlighted that utility companies must keep residents informed about road works to help people plan their journeys more effectively. -
Cyclist Safety in Maintenance Guidance:
Olly Glover MP (Liberal Democrat) argued that current maintenance guidance does not sufficiently account for how road defects affect cyclists, who experience risks at much lower thresholds than motor vehicles. He suggested updating guidance to encourage councils to adopt a more preventative approach. -
Concerns About Funding Clarity:
Stuart Anderson MP (Conservative) questioned the lack of certainty around the future of the Safer Roads Fund and expressed concern about the removal of the Rural Services Delivery Grant in South Shropshire. -
Use of Community Infrastructure Levy Funds:
Rebecca Paul MP (Conservative) noted that Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding is not being used effectively to support road or drainage maintenance. -
Call for Long-Term Funding:
Anderson also stressed the need for a long-term approach to highways maintenance funding so councils can plan repairs with confidence. In response, the Minister for Local Transport pointed to the Government’s four-year funding settlement for local authorities. -
Funding Not Reflective of Rural Needs:
Several MPs argued that current funding frameworks fail to account for “remoteness”, leaving some rural councils unable to access vital uplifts.
Government Response
Responding to MPs’ concerns, Lilian Greenwood MP, Minister for Local Transport, outlined the Government’s position:
- She disputed claims about local authority incentive funding, noting that 153 out of 154 local highway authorities received their incentive payments last year.
- Greenwood acknowledged that recent severe weather has reduced maintenance windows but said long-term underfunding by the previous Government had limited councils’ ability to plan preventative work or build resilience.
- She reiterated the Government’s commitment of £500 million in additional local road maintenance funding this year, alongside a £7.3 billion package over the next four years to support local authorities.
- The Government is updating the Highway Infrastructure Code of Practice to reflect modern technologies, climate adaptation needs and improved resilience standards.
- Greenwood highlighted ongoing collaboration with AtkinsRéalis, drawing on international best practice through its involvement with the World Road Association.
- She also confirmed Government support for the UK Roads Leadership Group, which is delivering climate resilience workshops to help local highway authorities strengthen their networks.
