Ashford MP Raises Pothole Concerns with Transport Department

Following a high number of contacts from constituents regarding potholes Sojan Joseph MP wrote to the Department for Transport on 15th October, the question stated: 

“To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to help ensure that potholes are fixed promptly in Ashford constituency.” 

Lilian Greenwood MP, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Future of Roads replied with the following answer on 21st October: 

“The Government takes the condition of local roads very seriously and is committed to maintaining and renewing the local road network. Kent County Council is the local highway authority for the Ashford constituency, and it is therefore responsible for the maintenance of its local road network. Kent County Council will receive £38.3 million from this Department during 2024/25 to help it carry out its local highway maintenance responsibilities: it is up to it to decide how that funding is used. For England as a whole, the Government has a commitment to enable local highway authorities to fix up to a million more potholes a year.” 

Kent County Council was set for a ‘Pothole Blitz’ program, beginning in March this year, aiming to repair as many holes or defects as they can, by this autumn. However, many residents do not believe the “blitz” has gone fast or far enough. 

Quote from Sojan Joseph 

“I will continue to work with Kent County Council and any other local agencies to ensure that we can tackle this significant issue affecting so many residents. I am certain that the substantial funding from the government will be very helpful for everyone involved.”