Merton roads are failing, says an MP, with concerns over funding and slow repairs.
The Lib Dems say Merton has London’s worst local roads. These are smaller roads with less traffic. Merton Council disputes the accuracy of this data. They say their main roads are actually above average. The Lib Dems worry about future funding. They feel it is not fairly based on need.
Kohler criticizes the council’s handling of road issues. He wants them to prioritize road repairs now. Residents described the roads as dangerous. One cyclist almost crashed due to potholes, and others report car damage from poor road surfaces.
This affected residents on Commonside East. Residents are stuck because of ownership issues there. The owners won’t fix the road, and the council won’t maintain it until it’s fixed. Similar problems exist on Bancroft in Raynes Park, where potholes damage car bottoms often. Reporting issues to the council feels useless to them.
Another resident mentioned problems on Western Road. Frustration is high as potholes stay unfixed. People report them via the council’s app. A councillor says residents use the app often, however, potholes remain unfixed even after reports. Beverley Way has continual pothole issues.
Merton Council claims the data is incomplete. They say not all London councils provided information. Merton insists its main roads are better than average overall. They did not comment on the condition of smaller roads directly.
The council says it spent £2.4 million on roads. They plan to spend £2.7 million next year on roads. The council wants to reduce traffic disruption, and utility companies may face charges for digging roads now. Merton claims they fixed over 1,130 potholes this past year fast. The Transport Secretary will meet with Kohler about roads, and they also pledged funding to help fix the roads too.