In a major win for Britain’s road users, Labour’s Cllr Chris Myers, Hertsmere’s Street Scene portfolio holder, has celebrated the announcement of an enormous £500 million funding increase to tackle potholes and repair local roads next year. This funding surge, nearly 50% higher than commitments from the previous government, promises to make a real difference for motorists and local communities.

Cllr Myers declared, “This is fantastic news for Hertsmere. Potholes have been a blight on Britain’s roads and an endless frustration for drivers. After 14 years under the Conservatives, we’re finally seeing a plan to fix the infrastructure that people depend on daily. Labour is here to restore the foundations of our country and our economy, and this budget is our first step forward.”

Highlights of the transformative road funding plan:

• A £1.6 billion total for road repairs next year: Wednesday’s budget will confirm a historic increase, aiming to fix a million potholes annually.
• Improving road safety and reducing costs: With road repairs averaging £460 per incident for vehicle owners, the extra funds will save drivers hundreds and lower the risk of accidents.
• Preventative maintenance for lasting solutions: More funding means councils can not only repair current road damage but also invest in better maintenance, reducing potholes long-term.
• More funds, better roads, safer journeys: With additional resources heading to local authorities, our roads will become safer and more accessible for everyone—drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike.

The commitment will be rolled out in April 2025, when local councils will receive funds to get to work on fixing potholes and restoring our roadways. Set to deliver on Labour’s vision for strong, safe infrastructure, this funding is a cornerstone of Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ first budget, one dedicated to protecting working people, restoring our NHS, and rebuilding Britain for the future.