Milton Keynes Council Praised by the Government for its Road Repairs Programme

7.02.26pm GMT Tue 7th Dec 2004

Milton Keynes' Liberal Democrat Council has been praised by the Government for continuing improvements in its programme of road repairs and other city-wide transport improvements.

The assessment measures the relative performance of highway authorities. In the context of a strong improvement across the country, Milton Keynes Council's performance has improved from 46% in 2002, to 55% in 2003 and 64% in 2004 - a significant leap from 'weak' to 'average' in the last year. As a result of its improved performance, the Council has received extra money from Government to spend on transport schemes next year.

Councillor Graham Mabbutt, Cabinet Member for Transport, said: "We are delighted that our rating has increased significantly and faster than many other councils. This shows that the Government recognises that the Council takes the transport needs of Milton Keynes people seriously and that we spend money on transport improvements in an efficient and well considered way.

"I am particularly pleased that Government has responded positively to our efforts by awarding us additional funds."

The Local Transport Plan settlement for Milton Keynes for next year weighs in at £3.668m, an impressive £423,000 (13%) more than the indicative allocation of £3.245m. The extra cash will be used for Safer Journey schemes, improved road safety and traffic-calming schemes.