Highways and transport budgets have been cut in three out of five local authorities in England, but most councils will see a significant increase in parking revenues according to the AA.

 

The motoring group says that of the 363 local authorities in England 62% have cut their total highways and transport budget compared to last year, from an average of £12.1M to £11.6M.

 

It also claims that 53% of local authorities have cut their spending on roadworks, repairs to potholes, road signs and hedge cutting from an average of £3.6M last year to £3.3M this year.

 

And a third of councils have reduced their budgets for installing and running street lights, with an average reduction in spend of £300,000. It is also said that 24% of councils have reduced spending on road safety education and school crossing patrols by an average of £200,000.

 

However despite the cost cutting, the average increase in parking receipts from more than 200 councils seeking to raise fees is said to be £400,000 compared with last year. AA president Edmund King said: “Drivers will be frustrated that in many councils the additional income from increased parking charges won't be reinvested in improving the state of local roads.

 

“Far too often drivers are viewed as wallets on wheels. We think it is time to redress the balance and drivers get the investment needed to bring our roads back up to scratch.”

 

Local Government Association transport board chair Martin Tett said: “Faced with an overall £5.8Bn funding gap by 2020, councils are having to make difficult spending decisions, including on road maintenance.”

 

He said that Government’s recent announcement of a greater share of funding for local roads is encouraging, but added: “We now need to see more detail”.

 

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