Executive Mayor Jason Perry has approved a £12.573m highways capital programme for the borough’s highway infrastructure for 2024/25, as well as a new five-year Highway Asset Management Strategy.
The highways capital programme is a set of works to be carried out this year that will maintain and improve the conditions of the borough’s highways, flood and water management, bridges and structures in line with the Highways Act 1980.
The programme is funded by the council’s capital budget, Transport for London (TfL) and the Department for Transport’s Local Transport Network North Reallocated HS2 capital funding (2024/25), that is being used to improve roads across the country.
Also agreed by the Executive Mayor was the Highway Asset Management Strategy, which sets out how the council will deliver a highways service over the next five years and how decisions about investment in the highway network will be made.
When deciding where funds should be spent, projects are prioritised for strategic roads, bus routes, cycleways, and footways in shopping areas and those close to hospitals, schools, and care homes. This process creates a prioritised list and offers the council and its residents the best economic return on its investment.
Alongside value for money, the council wants projects to minimise its environmental impact by using innovative technologies and materials, particularly the use of recycled materials. Infrastructure that supports sustainable transport will also be prioritised.
Works to reduce flooding with sustainable drainage systems will also be considered when resurfacing streets, along with other green infrastructure to reduce water runoff, improve air quality and store carbon.
“Residents often tell me that the condition of the highway infrastructure really matters to them. This investment in the future of our roads will improve infrastructure and support the regeneration of Croydon.
“Croydon’s highway network is the single most valuable asset that the council owns. Without it, none of the council’s priorities, values and visions can be realised. Our careful planning over the next five years aims to provide long term value for money solutions, not expensive short-term fixes.
“I am determined that good governance is embedded, and best practices adopted when public funds are being spent.”
Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon