Edwina Hart, Minister for Economy, Science and Transport
This was published under the 2011 to 2016 administration of the Welsh Government
This statement provides an update on local authority road maintenance functions, with particular reference to the A48 through the Vale of Glamorgan.
This section of the A48 forms part of the local road network and is the responsibility of the Vale of Glamorgan Council. In accordance with the Highways Act 1980, each local authority decides the appropriate standard to which their road network should be maintained.
Authorities generally fund the maintenance of their local road networks from the annual block grant we provide for all their services. In addition, over the last three financial years, we have enabled local authorities to borrow an additional £172 million of capital funding through the Local Government Borrowing Initiative to improve the condition and function of the local road network. Through this Initiative, we have provided funding to the Vale of Glamorgan Council which has enabled them to invest over £6.690 million in its roads, including the A48.
Authorities have submitted to us detailed business cases and asset management plans to demonstrate value for money. We require that work funded from this Initiative is based on the principles of best practice asset management and last at least 20 years.