West Midlands Mayor Proposes Doubling Road Repair Funding to £240 Million

Mayor Richard Parker has announced plans to double the funding available to councils for pothole repairs and road resurfacing across the West Midlands.

Under the proposal, £240 million would be made available to six councils—Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall, and Wolverhampton—over five years from April 2027. This would double the £120 million allocated to the same councils during the current five-year period. The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) Board is set to consider the funding proposal at its meeting on Friday, 13 February.

Last year, the Mayor secured an additional £20 million from the Department for Transport to top up council road repair budgets for 2025–27, helping fill thousands more potholes ahead of the new funding.

“This winter has been brutal on our highways, forcing drivers to navigate thousands of potholes, cracks, and deep craters,” Parker said. “These aren’t just an inconvenience—they cost motorists a fortune in repairs and put cyclists at serious risk. People across the West Midlands tell me that the lack of investment in our roads is one of their top frustrations, and I share that frustration. By doubling our investment, we’re giving councils the funding they need to ensure smoother, safer journeys for everyone.”

In addition to major road maintenance, the plans include extra funding for smaller projects such as pedestrian crossings, pathways, and junction upgrades, with a focus on improving road safety and encouraging more walking, cycling, and wheeling across the region.