We've written to the government calling for significant investment in the local road network, highlighting the importance of roads to residents, businesses and communities across the area.
We've written to the government calling for significant investment in the local road network, highlighting the importance of roads to residents, businesses and communities across the area.
In a letter to the Secretary of State for Transport, we're seeking a one-off investment of approximately £30 million to help halt the continued deterioration of roads across Central Bedfordshire and address the impact of years of national underinvestment in highway infrastructure.
Roads remain one of the issues residents contact us about most frequently. They are essential for helping people get to work, school, healthcare appointments and local services, while also supporting economic growth and connecting communities across the area.
Despite increased investment from our own budget in recent years, the scale of the challenge means that significant additional funding is needed to tackle long-term deterioration and improve the condition of the network.
Councillor Adam Zerny, Leader of the Council, said:
The condition of our roads is a major concern for residents and businesses. Reliable, well-maintained roads are vital for everyday life and are critical to supporting our local economy.
The council has increased its investment in highways, alongside government, but the reality is the current funding levels only allow us to focus on keeping the roads safe and operational and are insufficient to address the historic maintenance backlog that has built up over many years.
That is why we have written to government calling for additional investment. An estimated £30 million is needed to halt further deterioration of our highway network and protect this vital infrastructure for the future.
We currently invest around £16 million each year in highways maintenance, with additional government funding bringing the total highways budget to around £30 million. This funding supports not only road repairs but also the maintenance of footpaths, bridges, drainage systems, street signage, traffic signals and cycle infrastructure.
Severe weather places further pressure on the network, with significantly higher numbers of potholes reported and repaired following periods of heavy rainfall, freezing temperatures and prolonged dry weather.
We will continue to invest in highways maintenance and is preparing for the challenges that winter weather can bring. At the same time, we're urging the government to recognise the importance of local roads and provide the funding needed to improve conditions for residents and businesses.
Councillor Adam Zerny added:
Our roads matter to residents. They are essential for daily life, access to services and the prosperity of our communities. We will continue to do everything we can within the resources available, but meaningful long-term improvement will require additional government investment.