West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker has unveiled ambitious plans to tackle the region's escalating pothole crisis by proposing a substantial funding increase for vital road maintenance work. The proposal would see highways maintenance funding doubled to £240 million, to be allocated across six local authorities for a five-year period beginning in April 2027.
Major Funding Injection for Road Repairs
The significant funding boost would be made available to Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall and Wolverhampton councils, representing a 100 per cent increase from the current £120 million allocated for the existing five-year period. This substantial investment is specifically designed to address the deteriorating condition of local roads across the metropolitan region.
Addressing Winter Damage and Safety Concerns
Mayor Parker emphasised the urgent need for this increased investment, stating: "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."
He further explained the public demand for action, adding: "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."
Broader Transport Investment Strategy
The proposed pothole funding increase forms part of a comprehensive review of transport investment across the West Midlands region. This strategic approach aims to maximise the benefits from the £2.4 billion Transport for City Regions funding secured by Mayor Parker during the previous summer.
The wider transport strategy encompasses multiple elements:
- Coordinated investment across tram, train, bus and road networks
- Enhanced cycling and walking infrastructure development
- Support for job creation and business growth initiatives
- Facilitation of new housing development through improved transport links
Additional Safety and Accessibility Funding
Beyond the core pothole repair funding, the proposals include provisions for additional financial support for smaller-scale infrastructure projects. These supplementary funds would target specific safety and accessibility improvements, including:
- Pedestrian crossing installations and upgrades
- Footpath improvements and pathway enhancements
- Junction safety modifications and traffic flow improvements
These additional investments specifically focus on improving overall road safety while encouraging more residents to choose active travel options such as walking, wheeling and cycling for their daily journeys.
Decision Process and Implementation
The funding proposal requires formal approval from the West Midlands Combined Authority's Board, with a crucial decision scheduled for their meeting on February 13. If endorsed, the funding arrangement would commence in April 2027, providing local authorities with increased financial certainty for their highways maintenance planning.
It is important to note that Birmingham City Council's road repair programme operates under a separate private finance initiative arrangement and therefore falls outside this particular funding proposal. The £240 million allocation specifically targets the six other metropolitan boroughs within the West Midlands Combined Authority area.
This substantial investment commitment represents a significant step toward addressing long-standing concerns about road conditions across the region, with the potential to transform travel experiences for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians alike through improved infrastructure and enhanced safety measures.
