Suffolk set for £11 million boost to tackle potholes and improve roads

Funding of more than £11 million has been allocated to repairing roads in Suffolk as residents are urged to report the routes in need of attention.

The Government has today announced its plans to invest nearly £244 million to fill potholes and repair roads across the East of England next year.

Local authorities in Suffolk, Norfolk, Essex and the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, will each receive a share of the funding as the Government looks to rebuild Britain as part of its Plan for Change.

Suffolk is set to receive £11,739,000 — bringing its total funding for 2025/26 to £43,769,000.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “Broken roads can risk lives and cost families hundreds if not thousands of pounds on repairs.

“That’s a cost that can easily be avoided by investing properly in our roads.

“Through our Plan for Change we’re determined to put more money back into the pockets of hardworking people and improve living standards.

“That’s why we’re giving councils funding to repair our roads and get Britain moving again — with a clear expectation that they get on with the job.”

The funding comes as part of a £1.6 billion Government investment across the country — an increase of nearly 50 per cent on local road maintenance funding from last year.

According to RAC, drivers in England and Wales encounter an average of six potholes per mile and vehicle damage from potholes typically costs around £500.

The AA also reports that 96 per cent of drivers consider pothole repairs a top priority.

Suffolk road users are encouraged to report potholes in their area by visiting this dedicated page — www.gov.uk/report-pothole.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: “Potholes have plagued motorists for far too long, but today’s record investment will start to reverse a decade of decline on our country’s roads.

“Millions will drive home for Christmas today, but too many will have to endure an obstacle course to reach their loved ones.

“Potholes damage cars and make pedestrians and cyclists less safe. We are investing £1.6 billion to fix up to seven million more potholes next year.

“This government is firmly on the side of drivers. Every area of England will get extra cash to tackle this problem once and for all.

“We have gone beyond our manifesto commitment to back motorists and help raise living standards in every part of the country.”

Local authorities will allocate their share of the funding to prioritise road repairs while focusing on areas most in need.

The Government will monitor spending, ensure proper data collection and encourage proactive maintenance to prevent potholes from forming in the future.

Additionally, at least 50 per cent of surplus funds from lane rental schemes will be reinvested into road maintenance. These schemes allow highway authorities to charge companies for the time that their works occupy the roads.

The Department for Transport is consulting on plans to transfer approval powers for lane rental schemes, currently held by the Secretary of State, to local mayors.

This change would encourage more lane rental schemes to be implemented — giving authorities greater control and putting power back into local hands.

On top of the funding, the Transport Secretary has announced stricter measures against disruptive road works.

These include doubling Fixed Penalty Notices for utility companies that breach regulations and introducing extended charges for works that continue into weekends — aiming to minimise disruption and improve efficiency.

Edmund King, AA president, said: “Clamping down on poor works carried out by utilities companies and overrunning roadworks is sorely needed, and we are pleased to see action being taken here.

“Widening lane rental approval to local Mayors should reduce red tape, and we hope it means more roads can be opened in first class condition.”