Extra £5m earmarked to boost roads

Residents will have an influence on improvements made

Road workers reading a map

An extra £5m is set to be invested in boosting Leicestershire’s roads and environment, bolstering safety and sprucing up our communities.

The sizable sum would be ploughed into maintenance – including road repairs, looking after verges, cleaning signs, emptying drains and gullies, refurbishing bus stops and improving rights of way - and into more flashing signs, supporting average speed cameras and other measures to deter speeding motorists.

The cash injection also includes a £25,000 pot for every county councillor, enabling residents to get involved in influencing the improvements they want to see where they live.

It could be used for a wide range of options, such as flashing signs to reduce speeding, flower beds and benches, as well as minor road repairs and freshening up signs and lines.

Residents would be able to talk to their county councillor and help shape how the funding is spent in their area. 

 

These proposals are a welcome boost. Our roads and pavements are at the heart of our communities so it’s important we invest.

“And we know the impact speeding drivers can have on residents. By further supporting our average speed camera work and bringing in more signs to combat speeding drivers, we can make a real difference.

“This is also about improving green spaces in our communities. Planting flower beds and protecting verges not only adds to an area’s visual appeal but would also boost our efforts to tackle climate change as well as protect and enhancing biodiversity.
 

 

Nick Rushton added: “Importantly, this plan would enable residents to get involved in shaping their community. Every area has different challenges and by working with their county councillor, residents could tailor improvements to tackle different issues”

The £5m investment includes:

•   £2.2m for highway maintenance – managing grass verges, improving road signs and lines, revamping bus stops, improving accessibility to our rights of way
•   £1m to cut speeding in communities - flashing signs, traffic calming and supporting our average speed camera work
•   £1.4m to boost local areas – smaller scale improvements that enhance communities

 

The proposals will be discussed by the council’s cabinet on 22 June – watch the meeting online: www.leicestershire.gov.uk/webcast 

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