Hampshire County Council has intensified its campaign for a greater share of Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) revenue, saying long-term investment is needed to address a local highways maintenance backlog estimated at between £550 million and £600 million.
The council’s Cabinet agreed last week to press the Government for a fairer allocation of funding raised from motorists. It is also seeking greater flexibility to decide how transport funding is used across Hampshire.
Pressure on local roads
Hampshire County Council is responsible for around 5,500 miles of local roads and highway assets valued at approximately £17 billion. It said the network is under increasing pressure from inflation, ageing infrastructure, rising traffic demand and more frequent severe weather events.
Councillor Steve Forster, the council’s cabinet member for highways, said: “Maintaining Hampshire’s roads remains one of our top priorities, and we are committed to doing all we can with the resources available to us. However, the scale of the challenge facing local highway authorities means long-term, sustainable Government funding is essential.”
He added: “We are calling for a fairer share of Vehicle Excise Duty for Hampshire and greater local flexibility over how funding is used, so we can target investment where it is needed most and make the best decisions for our residents and businesses.”
Forster said the council would welcome support from residents, businesses, community groups and Hampshire’s MPs as it makes its case for increased investment and greater local control.
Planned maintenance
The authority said it had carried out road repairs and strengthening works during the spring and summer, and was increasing its focus on planned preventative maintenance alongside responding to defects such as potholes.
“Taking action earlier helps keep roads in better condition for longer and reduces the need for more costly repairs in the future,” Forster said.
The council’s appeal comes as the Government pursues its devolution agenda, which Hampshire said reinforced the case for decisions to be made closer to the communities affected by them.