£66 million boost for local roads in England

An extra £66m to improve local roads in England was announced by Transport Minister Paul Clark today.

The funding - which is in addition to the £2.1bn already provided for highways maintenance - will allow councils to make improvements to important local roads, bringing benefits to local people and businesses.

Transport Minister Paul Clark said: "High quality local road networks are vital to communities; connecting people with work, shops, services, families and friends.

"This additional funding will allow local authorities to carry out improvements to important local highways bringing benefits to all who use the roads."

This funding will be used to carry out improvements such as road resurfacing, bridge maintenance, street lighting and flood protection. The first £32m will be made available from April so councils can start planning improvements immediately. The remainder will be provided from April 2010.