Wimbledon MP Paul Kohler raises the shocking state of Merton roads in Parliament

During transport oral questions today (Thursday 13th February 2025), Wimbledon MP Paul Kohler highlighted the shocking condition of Labour-run Merton Council’s roads, and pressed Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander on Labour’s bizarre decision not to allocate future funding for roads on a needs basis.

According to new government data, Merton has the worst roads in London and the second worst in the country, with 4 in 10 unclassified roads in the borough being categorised as ‘poor’.  The number of local unclassified roads categorised as ‘poor’ in Merton has doubled in a year. 

Merton Council’s mismanagement has resulted in the borough having the second worst roads in Britain, with 40% of local unclassified roads categorised as being in poor condition. This number has almost doubled in the past year, rising from 23% classed as being in poor condition in 2023. 

The funding for roads announced by the Government for 2025-26 is a short-term measure and not needs-based, meaning Merton is now set to lose out to other boroughs whose roads are in better condition. 

At transport oral questions, Paul Kohler MP secured a meeting with the Transport Secretary to discuss what action can be taken to address this.

Liberal Democrat MP for Wimbledon, Paul Kohler said:

“Too many of Britain's roads are in shocking state of disrepair.” 

“In my constituency, Labour-run Merton Council has the worst roads in London, and second worst in the country, with 40% of local roads rated as poor by the Secretary of State's own department.” 

“As Labour-run Merton has failed to maintain its own roads and is not being bailed out by their friends in government, will the Minister meet with me to discuss what action can be taken?”

Secretary of State for Transport, responded:

“I’m very happy to meet with the Hon gentleman to ensure roads in his constituency and across London are maintained to an adequate standard.”

“The increase of £500 million that we allocated this year to highways maintenance represents an average 40% increase for local authorities. It will be making a difference and I’m happy to discuss with him further.”

Commenting, Merton Cllr Matthew Willis said:

“Residents continue to tell us local roads are not up to scratch. Often when potholes are reported they are not repaired quickly, and they then become bigger problems.”

“Residents on Beverley Way in my ward continually report potholes caused from water coming from the A3 and the 265 bus route. Despite these reports being closed off via FixMyStreet as ‘fixed’, there has been no real improvement in the situation.” 

Sources

Data on road quality conditions can be found here 

A list of all the roads in Merton and their classification can be found here 

Statistics for unclassified roads categorised as red, and therefore where maintenance should have been considered can be found here (RDC0130) 

Paul’s OQ can be watched here