Local authorities in England spend around £4 billion on roads each year. They are responsible for 98 per cent of the road network and have a duty to maintain roads and promote road safety. Some councils are very successful in prioritising road safety, delivering innovative work and reducing casualties, while others struggle to keep pace. The reduction in government spending has added pressure on how local councils prioritise their budgets, and has raised concerns that some authorities are cutting road safety disproportionately. This report looks at local investment in roads and road safety within the context of reductions in government spending. It hopes to open up a debate on local performance, spending decisions and local priorities. (Author/publisher)
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