Report Says Hounslow Has London's Lowest Road Maintenance Backlog

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London Councils' report on state of capital's roads

A new report issued by London Councils on the state of the capitals roads has determined that Hounslow has the lowest level of backlog for road maintenance in the capital.

Hounslow’s roads, footways, bridges, street lights and drainage have emerged on top in London Council’s first ever State of the City Report on London’s Highways.

The report which provides key information on numbers, condition and funding found that out of 32 London boroughs, only Westminster and Hounslow emerged as having a maintenance backlog considered ‘low’.

The borough's roads have been managed under contract by Hounslow Highways since January 2013. Since taking over, a significant amount of work has been undertaken including the resurfacing of approximately 206km of carriageways and 230km of footpaths, 15,093 street lights replaced with new LED lanterns, the refurbishment of five major structures, and the replacement of 13,336 traffic signs.

Hounslow Highways also provide street cleaning, removal of fly tips, and managing trees and grounds maintenance. 

The report identifies a growing backlog across the capital where budgets are deemed inadequate. The annual spend of around £341million is £92million less than the minimum required just to maintain a reasonable condition. This means that there is a growing backlog year to year, building a huge maintenance bill for future generations. The report raises important question regarding investment in our highways and calls for an urgent policy review.

Cllr Guy Lambert Hounslow Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, Recycling and Trading Companies said, “We are delighted with this official recognition of the quality of our highways in Hounslow. Hounslow Highways do a fantastic job of maintaining the borough’s roads, footways, bridges, street lights and drainage, despite pressure on resources and growth in our population. Of course, nobody will claim that our roads and footways are perfect, but it's great to have it confirmed by independent assessors that they are equal best in the whole of London.  We will work with Hounslow Highways and residents to keep it that way.

The quality of Hounslow’s infrastructure is an integral part of what we as a borough have to offer as a place to live and do business in. This report is testament to how efficiently managed our resources are and what terrific value for money Hounslow Highways offers our borough. We wish them continued success and feel our highways are in safe hands.”

Map illustrating backlog for all highway assets (per km) by borough

Martin Clack, Hounslow Highways Divisional Director said, “Ringway Hounslow Highways is proud to hold this position in London. It is a validation of our asset management processes and high-quality construction techniques, aligned with a spend to save investment and a culture of collaboration with the Council. We look forward to maintaining these high standards for the duration of the 25-year contract and beyond."

The findings in the report follows Hounslow Highways winning the Municipal Journal’s local government achievement award in June. The borough beat off competition in the Highways Management/Asset Management category with many entries and five other local authorities shortlisted - Waltham Forest, Derbyshire, Gloucestershire, Durham and Tayside Contracts/Dundee City Council.

August 8, 2018