Boris Johnson has cut funds to improve local roads by 40% in the past three years, figures released today reveal. Local London Assembly Member John Biggs is calling on the Mayor to reverse the cuts and invest in Barking & Dagenham and Newham’s road network.
Figures from the Mayor's office show that in 2009-2012 £3 million was invested in Newham and Barking & Dagenham’s roads, down from the £5 million spent between 2006-2009. In contrast spending on roads in some central London boroughs increased by up to 133%.
Local London Assembly member, John Biggs said: “The 40% cut in funding for road improvements will have a detrimental effect on Barking & Dagenham and Newham.
“With a large number of visitors coming to East London for the Olympics that last thing we want them to do is leave thinking that our roads are in a sorry state.”
“It looks like he's favouring West London over East London. Instead he needs to take a fairer approach that spreads investment across the capital.”
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Notes
- 1. John Biggs is the London Assembly member for City and East covering the London Boroughs of City, Newham, Tower Hamlets and Barking & Dagenham.
- 2. The figures were revealed in answer to a question by Labour Assembly Member Val Shawcross: MQT 4038/2011
- 3. Investment increased in Westminster by 33%, Wandsworth by 36% and Kensington & Chelsea by 133%.