Staffordshire County Council has agreed a new long-term plan to look after the county’s roads, pavements, bridges, streetlights and drains.

The updated Asset Management Policy, which has been agreed by the authority’s cabinet today (16 September), outlines how money should be spent to make the biggest difference for residents.

It explains how the council will use clear evidence and data to decide where and what type of repairs and improvements are needed most, ensuring the work is done in the right place, at the right time, and reduces the need for more expensive repairs later.

The new plan is designed to show government how roads in Staffordshire are being looked after, and how highways funding is spent, so the county council can access more funding for repairs.

Decisions will be based on things such as safety, condition, how important the route is, how much benefit the work will bring to local people, and maximising long-term value for money.

Councillor Peter Mason, Staffordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Strategic Highways, said: 

“Having well-managed highways affects everyone, whether it’s people on their way to work, taking children to school, or running a business.

“We know people want roads that are safe, reliable and well looked after, which is why we have committed an extra £15 million over 2 years to repair defects and improve our roads. This updated policy gives us a clear way to make decisions about what work needs to be done and when.

“By using the best information available, we can focus money where it will have the greatest impact for residents and help prevent small problems becoming bigger, more expensive ones.

“This is about keeping Staffordshire connected and making sure people can continue to get around the county as safely and easily as possible.”

Now that it has been approved, the policy and strategy will help guide future highways and transport investment from 2027/28 onwards.

(Picture: Staffordshire County Council)