Croydon’s executive mayor has approved a program worth over £12 million to bring the borough’s highways in line with the law, using re-allocated HS2 funds.
The program will maintain and improve the conditions of the boroughs highways, flood and water management, bridges and structures in line with the 1980 Highways Act.
This comes as casualties on Croydon’s roads increased by 15% last year, despite road casualties in London dropping by 4% from 2022 to 2023.
Executive Mayor for Croydon, Jason Perry, said: “Croydon’s highway network is the single most valuable asset that the council owns.
“Without it, none of the council’s priorities, values and visions can be realised.
“This investment in the future of our roads will improve infrastructure and support the regeneration of Croydon.”
The program will be funded by the council’s capital budget, Transport for London and the Department of Transport’s Local Transport Network North using funds reallocated from HS2 to improve roads across the country.
Also agreed by the mayor was a five year highway asset management strategy laying out how funds will be allocated, and which projects will be prioritised for the next five years.
Strategic roads, bus routes, cycleways and footways in shopping centres and close to hospitals, schools and care homes will be prioritised, with the aim to offer the best economic return on the investment in infrastructure.
Perry said: “I am determined that good governance is embedded, and best practices adopted when public funds are being spent.
“Our careful planning over the next five years aims to provide long term value for money solutions, not expensive short-term fixes.”
The council is also attempting to minimise the environmental impact of the work, using innovative technologies, recycled materials and prioritising sustainable transport.
Featured image credit: Croydon Council
