Tackling potholes on Yorkshire Day – Future of Roads Minister hails progress as more roads resurfaced in York

Today (1 August 2024), Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood visited York to see how the local authority is tackling potholes and discuss York and North Yorkshire’s plan to take back control of local transport.

The visit comes as the government pledges to empower local authorities to make decisions about their own transport networks. From filling potholes to operating bus services, giving power back to councils will change transport for the better.  

It follows the Department for Transport doubling down on its commitment to providing the cash needed to fix up to 1 million more potholes a year – with more detail being set out in the Spending Review later this year.

The Minister visited Fulford Cross to see first-hand how the City of York is clamping down on potholes by resurfacing the local roads that so many people rely on every day. City of York Council carry out regular inspections and repairs of roads and footpaths in the city, such as at Fulford Cross, and currently receives over £3 million a year from DfT to ensure road surfaces are safe for all users. This government has pledged to help councils fill one million extra potholes, and is committed to improving the state of our roads for all users.

She also discussed York and North Yorkshire’s devolution deal, which was agreed to shape the region’s travel networks, and which gives the Mayor greater control over local buses, trains and roads.

The agreement includes £800,000 funding to develop a local transport plan, a commitment to explore partnering with Great British Railways, and other powers to improve and integrate local transport.  

Within this, York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority have been given power to bring their own buses under public ownership, fueling the governments mission to hand control of bus services back to local leaders.

Minister for Future of Roads, Lilian Greenwood said:  

This Yorkshire Day, I’m thrilled to be in York to see how the council is tackling the potholes cratering our roads and discuss how we can empower local authorities to meet the challenges facing road users. 

“We want our roads to be smooth and safe for all users, no matter how they choose to travel, and this starts with handing back power to local leaders.

“Our devolution strategy with York will not only help the council resurface the most important roads for the local community, but also create a truly integrated transport network that all local residents can rely on, and be proud of."

Two weeks ago, the government announced the Better Buses Bill in the Kings Speech. This marks the first step in empowering local councils to create and save vital bus routes up and down the country, calling time on the failed system of deregulation that has seen service levels plummet.

The plans will also help to bring an end to the postcode lottery of bus services by giving local councils more say over local networks across the country.