Liberal Democrats secure an extra £1m for filling potholes and repairing roads next year

Bristol’s Liberal Democrat Councillors have secured an extra £1million of Council funding for filling potholes and repairs in 2026-27.

The money comes from funds raised by the city’s Clean Air Zone charges. The Council originally planned to spend the £2.25million over two years, but the budget amendment submitted by the Liberal Democrats brought forward the planned spend in 2027-28.

The Liberal Democrat’s amendment was the only successful amendment to pass at the Council’s annual budget meeting.

Cllr Jos Clark (Liberal Democrat, Brislington West), Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, said: 

“We have ensured that Bristol’s roads get a real boost next year, with the extra £1million dedicated to repairing and filling potholes.

“Bristolians want to see the revenue raised by the Clean Air Zone put to good to use and a real difference made in the City. Improving the conditions of the roads is at the top of so many people’s priorities, whether you drive, cycle or get the bus. “

Cllr Caroline Gooch (Liberal Democrat, Westbury-on-Trym and Henleaze) said: 

“Road repairs are desperately required, and the Council’s own data shows that 79.4% of people living in Bristol think the conditions of their local road surfaces are a problem.

“Rather than spend £1million a year for the next two years, we acknowledge that repairs can’t wait, and so we proposed a small change to bring the spend forward and spend £2million over the coming financial year. 

“Potholes cause damage to cars, rough rides for bus passengers, which can knock standing passengers off their feet. For cyclists, potholes can be a death trap. Why would we wait to do repairs if we don’t have to?”

Notes to editors: 

• Papers for the meeting: ModernGov - bristol.gov.uk