Labour’s Plan to End Britain’s Pothole Plague

One issue that many of us can agree on is potholes. The shocking state of local roads is not just dangerous, it also saddles drivers with spiralling car repair costs. I know fixing this mess is a top priority of my constituents in Stockport.  As such I welcome the new Government’s plans for a £500 million increase to efforts to fix local roads in Stockport and across the country over the next year.

It means that this Labour Government is on track to exceed its manifesto pledge to fix 1 million more potholes per year. I genuinely believe the amount of almost £1.6bn dedicated to fixing roads in England over the next twelve months will be a significant boost for drivers here in Stockport.

Under the Conservatives, Northwest roads had become symbolic of the state of our country – cratered with potholes that damage vehicles and push up insurance costs for drivers. It was estimated our region had 4,000 miles of deteriorated roads resulting in damage to vehicles and increases to insurance costs for drivers.

I believe the Chancellor’s announcement will be a welcome boost to drivers across the country, by saving them hundreds of pounds a year on maintenance and repairs. Analysis has found that many motorists are now spending up to £460 to fix damage to their cars caused by potholes. The announcement will see funding provided to Local Authorities across England from April 2025.

I will monitor and keep in close touch with Stockport Council and local ward members to ensure that the repairs are carried across Stockport.