28 councils in England are to benefit from £275m of funding for local roads maintenance, the Department for Transport has revealed today.

The Challenge Fund has been opened for one-off major infrastructure schemes by local authorities.

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: "Good quality local roads are essential for people to get on with their daily business and today’s announcement will provide extra capacity where it is needed most. This government has put record funding in place for local roads as part of our long-term economic plan to improve journeys, create jobs and drive economic growth."

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The 31 schemes include safety repairs, bridge renewal, carriageway and drainage improvements, as well as upgrading street lighting in a number of areas to bring them in line with modern standards.

The funding is part of a £6bn pot for local road maintenance announced in December 2014. It was awarded following a bidding process from local authorities.

Further details are available here.

(IT)