Crawley MP welcomes Government highways support for West Sussex

Henry Smith MP has welcomed the Government’s announcement of £3 billion of investment on improving roads in a boost for motorists across the UK, including more than £1.1 million for West Sussex.

Henry said:

"This investment is good news for families and businesses in Crawley who rely on our roads to get around.

"These schemes are focused on relieving congestion and providing important upgrades to ensure our roads are fit for the future – whether it’s the school run or getting to work, these improvements are vital for all of us.

"Taken together, these measures will help to build a stronger local economy by linking people with jobs, businesses with customers, ensuring a country that works for everyone, not just the privileged few."

The Government has allocated more than £11.6 million to the South East to fix around 220,000 potholes in 2017/18 or stop them forming in the first place, including more than £1.1 million to fix 21,600 potholes in West Sussex.

From the £175 million being made available for road safety, the Government will be inviting proposals from local highway authorities to upgrade some of the most dangerous local roads.

The Secretary of State for Transport, Rt Hon Chris Grayling MP, outlined the details of road improvements announced as part of the Autumn Statement, including:

  • £925 million to tackle congestion and provide upgrades on local roads
  • £175 million to improve the 50 most dangerous roads in the country
  • £220 million for Highways England to combat congestion
  • £1,145,000 to fix local potholes

Notes to Editors

  • In the Autumn Statement the Government announced new funding of £1.3 billion over this Parliament to help support infrastructure projects across the UK. It will mean £925 million to tackle congestion and provide upgrades on local roads and £220 million to relieve congestion on strategic routes.
    • In order to make our roads safer for all users, £175 million of the additional funding will be targeted at upgrading some of England’s most dangerous local roads where the risk of fatal and serious collisions is highest.
    • A further £70 million from the Pothole Fund will also be allocated next year ensuring roads are repaired quickly (regional pothole fund allocations are part of £250 million announced in Budget 2015).
  • This investment is on top of the £6 billion the Government is already allocating to councils in England up to 2021 to help improve the condition of the local road network – almost double the £3.7 billion allocated a decade ago.