DAVID Baines MP has welcomed the Labour Government’s plans for a £500 million boost to efforts to fix local roads in St Helens and across the country over the next year.

The uplift was announced at the first budget of the new Labour Government. The plans, which bring the total amount dedicated to fixing roads in England over the next year to almost £1.6bn, will be a significant boost for drivers in St Helens.

The news means the new government is on track to exceed its manifesto pledge to fix 1 million more potholes per year and represents an almost 50% increase in funding year on year.

Analysis has found that many motorists are now spending up to £460 to fix damage to their cars caused by potholes.

The announcement will see funding provided to Local Authorities across England from April 2025.

The investment comes alongside a freeze to fuel duty - which will save drivers up to £59 a year - and a new taskforce launched by the Transport Secretary to crack down on the spiralling costs of car insurance.

David Baines MP said: “Fourteen years of the Conservatives saw Britain’s roads plagued with potholes – leaving a legacy of crumbling roads and creaking infrastructure.

“The shocking state of our local roads is not just dangerous, it also saddles drivers with spiralling car repair costs. I know fixing this mess is a top priority of my constituents in St Helens North

“I’m delighted that, in its first Budget, the new Labour Government has announced an almost 50% increase in funding to deliver lasting repairs to our local roads.

“This will make a huge difference to the daily lives of people across St Helens North, who for too long have had to put up with badly maintained roads.”

Transport Secretary, Louise Haigh, said: “For too long, this country has suffered from a pothole plague. Our roads have become a constant and visible reminder of the decline in our country’s infrastructure, which stunts economic growth.

“From drivers to bikers to cyclists, everyone who uses our roads deserves a safe and pleasant journey. That’s why we’re providing a £500m boost to fix our local roads.

“Whether it’s taking action to repair our local roads, keeping down fuel costs at the pump, or cracking down on the spiralling costs of car insurance - this Government is determined to ensure drivers get a fair deal.”