The LGA's media office provides the national voice of local government in England and Wales on the major issues of the day for national, regional and local press.
Local Government Association’s Transport spokesman, Cllr Martin Tett, responds to a report by the Transport Select Committee on local roads funding and maintenance.
“Ahead of the forthcoming Spending Review, we are urging government to give councils control over the Bus Service Operators’ Grant, and properly fund national free bus pass schemes, which could help us maintain our essential bus services, reduce congestion and protect vital routes.”
Cllr Martin Tett, Transport spokesman for the Local Government Association, responds to today’s announcement of £6 million in government funding for 17 UK councils to provide charging points for ultra-low emission taxis.
Cllr Martin Tett, Transport spokesman for the Local Government Association, responds to an announcement of £22.9 million in government funding to help some councils lead research and trials on new road surface materials and pothole repairs.
“Councils are determined to reduce the impact of harmful emissions on the health of our communities but if the Government’s air quality plans and any new local powers are to be successful, they need to be underpinned by local flexibility and sufficient funding.
“Councils also need local powers to further tackle air pollution, particularly with regard to moving traffic offences, government support on planning and transport matters, and robust national action to help the country transition to low-emission vehicles and power generation.”
Cllr Martin Tett, Transport spokesman for the Local Government Association, responds to a report by Transport for New Homes on planning new housing developments.
“Keeping roads safe for all users is one of the most important jobs councils do and is reflected in the fact that local authorities are fixing a pothole every 21 seconds.
“However, only long-term, consistent and fairer government investment in local road maintenance can allow councils to embark on the widespread improvement of our roads that is desperately needed. Spending 52 times more on maintaining our national roads when very few journeys begin and end on a motorway or trunk road will only serve to help motorists reach increased delays and congestion on local roads more quickly.
“The LGA
"Councils have long-called for existing outdated taxi laws to be updated and strengthened so we are pleased that many of our recommendations have been supported in this report."
The LGA has long-called for more public transport funding so it is pleasing to see this echoed by an overwhelming majority of motorists who would use more public transport if it was better.