Chris Ames 19 May 2021

London repairs backlog hits 'staggering' £1bn

London repairs backlog hits staggering £1bn image

The cost of the road maintenance backlog on London’s roads has now passed £1bn, according to the fourth annual ‘State of the City’ report from the London Technical Advisers Group (LoTAG).

The report covers all of the capital’s roads, of which its boroughs maintain 95%, with Transport for London (TfL) being responsible for the remaining strategic routes.

On Tuesday, it was announced that ministers had agreed a further 10-day funding package for TfL, whose revenue has been severely impacted by a fall in passenger numbers during the pandemic.

London Councils, which represents the boroughs, said the capital is suffering a serious shortfall in funding for repairs and maintenance which has increased over several years.

This has also been exacerbated by the fiscal impact of the pandemic, with boroughs facing £2.2bn additional spending and lost income last year.

The organisation pointed out that while English authorities outside London receive government funding for road maintenance, totalling £1.385bn 2021/2022, London local authorities receive no funds from the Government.

It added that Londoners pay around £500m a year in Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) but this is spent in the rest of the country.

Mayor Philip Glanville, chair of London Councils' Transport and Environment Committee, called the lastest backlog figure ‘alarming’ and ‘staggering’.

He said: ‘London’s highways and roads are a hugely important part of our transport network, providing people with the means to get around the city.

‘Londoners are looking to boroughs and central government for a long-term, sustainable solution to the highways maintenance funding shortfall. Beginning with the return of national Vehicle Excise Duty to London would be a helpful move, especially as many car owners in London think this funding is still available to maintain our roads.’

This article first appeared on Highways magazine.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

PRINCIPAL TRANSPORT PLANNING OFFICER

Hull City Council
£43693 - £46731
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced professional to join our team in Hull as a Principal Transport Planning Officer. Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire
Recuriter: Hull City Council

HIGHWAYS AND TRAFFIC ENGINEER - 4 POSTS

Hull City Council
£43693 - £46731
We have several exciting opportunities for suitably qualified Highways Civil Engineers and Traffic Engineers Wilson Centre, 1st floor, Hull HU1 2AG
Recuriter: Hull City Council

Strategic Director, Finance and Resources (S.151 Officer)

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council
£110,799 - £120,706
Blackburn with Darwen is a distinctive, welcoming and vibrant borough with a strong identity and a genuine buzz about the place. Blackburn, Lancashire
Recuriter: Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council

Residential Worker, Edge of Care Service

Durham County Council
Grade 7 £29,093 - £32,654 PAY AWARD PENDING
Join a Groundbreaking Team Supporting Families in Seaham Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Bikeability Cycling Instructor

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £24,790 to £25,992 pro rata (Pay Award Pending)
The Road Safety Team are keen to recruit additional Casual Bikability Instructors to join our team of instructors delivering Bikeability cycle trainin Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner