Oral Answers to Questions
Debate between Andrew Jones and Daniel Kawczynski(5 years ago)
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Andrew Jones
I am aware of the work that Mr Harris does as part of the rail review, and I am looking forward to seeing what the rail review says. We have had some early indications on its thinking. We have seen some speeches made by Mr Williams to give some indicative direction on its thinking, and we will see more later in the summer. I think we should be looking forward to its work with enthusiasm.
Daniel Kawczynski (Shrewsbury and Atcham) (Con)
Oral Answers to Questions
Debate between Andrew Jones and Daniel Kawczynski(8 years, 3 months ago)
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Daniel Kawczynski (Shrewsbury and Atcham) (Con)
5. What recent assessment he has made of the condition of local roads.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Andrew Jones)
The Government fully understand how important it is to have a reliable quality road network, which is why we are providing a record £6 billion for local highways maintenance. We have also created the pothole action fund with a budget of £250 million dedicated to delivering better journeys.
Daniel Kawczynski
I am grateful to the Minister for his answer. I am pleased that he has agreed to come to Shrewsbury soon to look at some congestion problems in the town. May I draw his attention to the state of the roads in rural counties where there are huge numbers of potholes, a lack of pavements and significant problems? We really need more investment for those roads in rural counties.
Andrew Jones
I am looking forward to visiting my hon. Friend’s constituency on 27 May. I agree that more money is required, which is why the Government have increased the budget. Within the two initiatives that I have just highlighted, may I include the fact that we are also incentivising part of the maintenance fund so that efficient and organised councils are rewarded? That will encourage local councils to improve the maintenance regime on their highways. I urge him to work with his council so that it can benefit from that scheme to the maximum.