Croydon Council’s executive mayor has approved a £12.5m capital programme for the borough’s highway infrastructure for 2024-25, as well as a new five-year Highway Asset Management Strategy.

The programme is funded by the London borough’s capital budget, Transport for London (TfL) and the second tranch of the Department for Transport’s ‘Network North’ reallocated HS2 capital funding.

The council said that when deciding where funds should be spent, projects will prioritise strategic roads, bus routes, cycleways, and footways in shopping areas and those close to hospitals, schools, and care homes.

Projects should also 'minimise' environmental impact by using innovative technologies and materials, particularly through the use of recycled materials. Infrastructure that supports sustainable transport will also be prioritised.

Works to reduce flooding with sustainable drainage systems will also be considered when resurfacing streets, along with other green infrastructure to reduce water runoff, improve air quality and store carbon.

Executive mayor Jason Perry said: ‘Residents often tell me that the condition of the highway infrastructure really matters to them. This investment in the future of our roads will improve infrastructure and support the regeneration of Croydon.

‘Croydon’s highway network is the single most valuable asset that the council owns. Without it, none of the council’s priorities, values and visions can be realised. Our careful planning over the next five years aims to provide long-term value for money solutions, not expensive short-term fixes.’

In 2022, Croydon issued its third Section 114 notice in two years – effectively saying that it could not finance its spending.

This article first appeared on Highways.