AIA comment regarding local road funding / general election – 30 May 2017

“Our message to whoever is in power after the election is that it’s time to get to grips with fixing our local roads.

“Decades of underfunding, coupled with the effects of increased traffic and wetter winters on an ageing network, means one in six may not be fit for purpose in five years’ time.

“A recent Comres poll for the Tax Payer’s Alliance found that the public ranked repairing roads at the top of a list of investment priorities – above broadband connectivity, motorways and better rail links.

“This year’s Annual Local Authority Road Maintenance (ALARM) survey highlighted a funding black hole with over £12 billion needed to bring the network up to scratch.

“It’s disappointing that highways maintenance has all but been ignored in the main parties’ manifestos, but hopefully a new government will sit up and take notice.”