Government funding will support improved road surfaces, safer cycling, and healthier communities

6th June 2025

Luke Myer, Member of Parliament for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, has welcomed the announcement of over £32 million in new government funding to resurface roads and deliver new cycle lanes across the North East and Yorkshire.

The funding includes an extra £20 million to fix potholes and resurface damaged roads, and nearly £13 million to expand safe cycling and walking infrastructure. 

The announcement coincided with the Lloyds Tour of Britain Women race reaching Saltburn, where the Minister for the Future of Roads met local schools, cyclists, and campaigners to mark the investment.

Luke said:

“This is a hugely welcome boost for our region’s roads and communities. Potholes and unsafe streets are barriers to cycling, especially for women and families. This funding is an important step in fixing that. But the real test is delivery. Local leaders must now make sure the money is spent where it is needed most. We need safer, better-maintained streets, not just big announcements. I will keep working with ministers to make sure East Cleveland and Middlesbrough benefit from every penny.”

Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood MP said:
“Safer roads mean safer spaces to cycle. The Lloyds Tour of Britain Women is a fantastic way to show women and girls the power of cycling and the difference it can make to their lives. By investing in better roads, we’re delivering our Plan for Change – encouraging more women and girls to hop on a bike, easing pressure on the NHS and building healthier, stronger communities.”

The announcement follows a £15.6 billion nationwide transport investment confirmed earlier this week, aimed at supporting local leaders and improving everyday journeys.

References:

• Government Announcement – £32 million for North East and Yorkshire roads and cycling infrastructure https://www.gov.uk/government/news/more-than-32-million-to-resurface-roads-and-build-new-cycle-lanes-in-the-north-east-and-yorkshire
• Minister visit to Saltburn for Stage 2 of the Lloyds Tour of Britain Women https://www.gov.uk/government/news/more-than-32-million-to-resurface-roads-and-build-new-cycle-lanes-in-the-north-east-and-yorkshire
• City Region Sustainable Transport Settlements 2 – National funding overview https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/city-region-sustainable-transport-settlements-2
• Active Travel Infrastructure Funding – £291 million plan to boost walking, wheeling and cycling https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-unveils-291-million-package-to-boost-active-travel
• Cycling UK Research on Barriers for Women https://www.cyclinguk.org/press-release/2023-07-26-half-women-put-cycling-because-unsafe-roads