The West of England is set to receive around £215 million for potholes, pavements and bridge repairs, an increase of about £40 million on previous funding. This represents over a 20% rise in investment, according to the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority.
The funding will be allocated directly to Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol, and South Gloucestershire councils. North Somerset Council is working to join the combined authority, and its funding arrangements are still being finalised.
Direct council allocations
The Mayoral Combined Authority secures the funding from central government. However, the local highway authorities, which are the councils, remain legally responsible for maintaining their roads and footways. The money is designated for repairing road defects and structures.
Council leaders say the investment will help maintain local highways and footways across the region.
Funding to reduce repair costs and improve safety
Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, says the funding reflects the largest investment to date in the local transport network. She points to RAC data showing that pothole damage can cost drivers more than £300 each on average in vehicle repairs.
The investment also aims to make walking and cycling safer by improving footways and crossing points.
Councils respond to local concerns
Leaders from Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire councils say potholes and damaged pavements remain among residents’ top concerns. They say the funding will contribute to safer and smoother journeys for all road users, including drivers, cyclists, pedestrians, and public transport passengers.
Part of wider regional transport plans
This funding sits alongside planned investment in buses, trains, mass transit, and active travel, part of the West of England’s Transport Vision. The Local Transport Delivery Plan, detailing these proposals, will be submitted to the Department for Transport at the end of October.
The Combined Authority has secured a total of £752 million for transport investment in the West of England between 2027 and 2032.
Details of the funding split remain unclear
The authority has not yet specified how the £215 million will be divided between the three councils or how much will be set aside for bridges rather than carriageways and footways.
These details will determine how much funding reaches local streets and footways for residents across the region.
An update on the funding and the transport plans is expected at the next Mayor and council leaders’ meeting on 23 October.
