Pro Installer January 2015 - Issue 22 | Page 34

34 JANUARY 2015 PRO INSTALLER PRO MOTORING www.proinstaller.co.uk Millions To Tackle Potholes And Improve Local Roads A record £1654 million will be spent on improving local roads between 2015 and 2021 in the East Midlands, North West, Yorkshire and the Humber, Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin announced late December 2014. £540 million will be spent improving roads in the East Midlands, with the investment in the area amounting to £90 million a year, enough to fix around 1.7 million potholes across the region. A further £625 million will be on the local roads in the North West, the investment in the area amounts to £45 million a year, enough to fix around 800,000 potholes. Yorkshire and the Humber will receive £489 million, amounting to £81 million a year, from 2015-2021, which is enough to fix around 1.5 million potholes across the region. Patrick McLoughlin said: “Roads play a significant part in everyday life. Poorly maintained local roads, blighted by potholes, are a menace to all road users, particularly during the festive period as people travel to see family and friends. “It is vital we have good quality roads. This government has already taken strong action by spending £1 billion more on local roads maintenance than was spent in the previous parliament. “The £1654 million I am announcing for these areas will put an end to short term fixes and will mean we have committed £10 billion between 2010 and 2021. “This huge investment is part of our long term economic plan to ensure we have a transport network fit for the 21st century.” The Department for Transport allocates funding to local authorities based on local need, so councils with larger highway networks receive more of the funding. Over £4.7 billion will be shared between 115 councils, while a further £575 million will be available through a new challenge fund to help repair and maintain BACK TO BLACK High-profile independent retailer Leekes has made another round of investments in fuel-efficient Mercedes-Benz Vans, commissioning 26 Sprinters for operation from department stores and building centres across South Wales, as well as Wiltshire and the West Midlands. An established operator of commercial vehicles bearing the three-pointed star, Leekes has a head offi 6R