Newport faces road decline. Council needs millions to maintain current conditions, but funds are lacking. Safety is the priority.
Current budgets can’t maintain roads well. The council says funding isn’t enough. The council will manage the decline. They want safe roads for everyone. Another £4m is coming from Wales for roads. This money might ease early problems a bit. Funds might not keep pace later on.
Paul Jones spoke about the issue. He said Wales faces the same problems. There is not enough cash to maintain roads. They will focus on safety, not looks.
Andrew Brooks said the backlog grew £16 million since 2023. Steady road maintenance needs £2.4 million per year. The council expects £650,000 yearly from 2025/26. Footways, bridges, and lights also need funds.
Committee members asked about highways income. Mr. Jones talked about penalty notices. This money offsets service and employee costs. Newport won’t create a congestion zone. Other UK councils use that system.
The city wants civil enforcement powers now. It would handle traffic offenses. Bus lane issues are included. The council prepares its business case now.
Cllr Dimitri Batrouni wants more funding for highways. He knows roads and pavements matter. He said they have £4m from Welsh grants. The council will add more in June. They finalize funding and underspends then.