Pothole repair fund to be doubled in West Midlands by the mayor - here's why
Vital funding which provides cash to six councils to fix potholes and crumbling roads is set to be doubled, the West Midlands Mayor has announced.
West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker has set out plans to make £240 million available to Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall and Wolverhampton to cover highways maintenance for five years from April 2027.
If West Midlands Combined Authority’s Board approves at a meeting on February 13, it will represent a 100 per cent increase from the £120 million released in the current five-year period.
Mr Parker said: “This winter has been brutal on our highways forcing drivers to navigate thousands of potholes, cracks and deep craters.
“They aren’t just an inconvenience, they are costing motorists a fortune in repairs and putting cyclists at serious risk.
“People across the West Midlands tell me that the lack of investment in our roads is one of their top frustrations – and I share that frustration.
“So we’re making road repairs a top priority by doubling our investment, providing our councils with the funding they need to ensure smoother, safer journeys for everyone.”
There are also plans to give councils additional funding for smaller projects, such as crossings, pathways and junction upgrades with a focus on improving road safety and encouraging more people to walk, wheel and cycle.
The increase in pothole funding is part of a wider review of transport investment to make sure the region gets maximum benefit from the £2.4bn Transport for City Regions funding secured by the Mayor last summer.
This includes making sure that tram, train, bus, road and cycling and walking investment supports jobs, business growth and new housing as well as improving journeys.
Birmingham City Council’s road repairs are funded through a separate private finance initiative process.
