Peter Fortune MP today urged the Chancellor to continue the previous Government's plan to invest £8.2 billion in repairing the nation's roads until 2034 using cancelled HS2 funds. The programme has awarded Bromley Council £910,000 over the past two years to fix potholes.
At a recent Public Accounts Committee, civil servants confirmed that the Labour government is reviewing the programme, which would see London boroughs receive £235 million to maintain roads. The previous Conservative government also decided to award funds directly to London boroughs instead of Transport for London, reflecting the fact that the transport body, which typically receives funds, only manages 5% of the capital's roads. The Labour government is also reconsidering this decision.
In a letter to the Chancellor, Peter Fortune MP said: "If delivered, this funding would substantially contribute to road safety and connecting our nation. While some Labour politicians doubt that any Londoners drive, I can assure you that most do in my constituency of Bromley and Biggin Hill, who will be bitterly disappointed if the Government cancel this programme, which will invest millions of pounds in road maintenance locally.
"I urge you to continue the programme, deliver the remaining £8 billion to fix our nation's roads over the next decade, and ensure London's share goes directly to boroughs.
