Written question asked by Nicholas Winterton (Conservative) on Thursday, 16 December 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 21 December 2004. It was answered by David Jamieson (Labour) on Tuesday, 21 December 2004 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Dept for Transport

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will undertake (a) to maintain the strategic road network at optimum level and (b) to eliminate the repair backlog on the local road network by 2010.

Answer: Sir Nicholas Winterton: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will undertake (a) to maintain the strategic road network at optimum level and (b) to eliminate the repair backlog on the local road network by 2010. [206570] Mr. Jamieson: The Highways Agency currently maintains the strategic trunk road network in accordance with minimising whole life cycle maintenance costs while keeping the network in good serviceable condition. Correct application of the whole life cost principle ensures that the road maintenance budget is focussed to keep the condition of the network at the required level. It is for local authorities to eliminate the repair backlogs on their roads, although the Department strongly encourages them to do so. In the five years since 2001-02 the Department has provided £4.2 billion in capital support towards this task. The good progress made by local authorities is shown by the high probability of the deterioration in local roads being halted in 2004, after years of decline.

Secondary information