RSTA News
The Roads Surface Treatment Association (RSTA) has warned that the Budget proposals to freeze council tax in 2011-12 could have severe consequences on the conditions of local roads.
The announcement of the freeze by Chancellor, George Osbourne, would save households up to £35 a year but could cost local authorities up to £500 million.
“Local authorities are already having to undertake a range of serious financial decisions and cutting back on their already stretched highways budgets should not be one of them”, said Howard Robinson, Chief Executive of the RSTA. “Roads are essential for our economy and it is imperative that they are up to the job”.
The cost of poorly maintained roads to the national economy and to pressurised local council budgets is considerable. It is estimated that Britain’s crumbling roads cost the economy some £20 billion every year and cost councils an annual £53 million in insurance claims. “One only has to look as the disruption and costs of the impact of potholes during this year’s winter to know that trying to save money by not maintaining roads properly is not an option”, said Robinson.
Announcing the go-ahead of a number of major transport infrastructure projects, Osbourne stated in his budget that “the Government recognises the important role that investment in infrastructure plays in supporting economic growth and UK competitiveness”. “It is important that the Government recognises this at a local and national level and provides local authorities with the necessary funding for a well-maintained local road network.”
