Almost £33 million to improve roads in the north

As part of a £500 million investment  to tackle potholes across England, roads in Yorkshire and the North East will receive an extra £20 million to tackle potholes, as well as an extra £12.8 million to build new cycle lanes and pavements in the North East.

Resurfacing roads makes them safer, more accessible, and better for cyclists, and follows the previous £15.6 billion announcement to improve transport links outside of London.

Poor roads affect women more than men, with research by Cycling UK having found that more than half of women (58 per cent) said their cycle journeys were limited by safety concerns and a lack of suitable infrastructure, with 36 per cent of women posting to poor roads as a main factor.

Both investments, resurfacing roads and building new cycle lanes and pavements, make it easier for more people to cycle, which is expected to cause 43,0000 fewer sick days across the country and add £1.4 billion to the UK economy.

The government is committing £1.6 billion to resurface roads, enough to fill seven million extra potholes, which includes an extra £500 million boost. A £291 million package will deliver new active travel infrastructure across the country, encouraging more people to walk, wheel, scoot and cycle, with the investment for the North East as part of this.

Future of roads minister, Lilian Greenwood, said: “Safer roads mean safer spaces to cycle. The Lloyds Tour of Britain Women is a fantastic way to show women and girls the power of cycling and the difference it can make to their lives.

“By investing in better roads, we’re delivering our Plan for Change—encouraging more women and girls to hop on a bike, easing pressure on the NHS and building healthier, stronger communities."