The Government has unveiled a new £1.2 billion local roads funding for English councils.

Announcing the fund today, 13 January, Transport Minister Andrew Jones said the money will be used to improve roads, cut congestion and improve journey times.

The finance, from the new National Productivity Investment Fund, includes £75 million which councils can bid for to repair and maintain local infrastructure such as bridges, street lighting and rural roads.

In addition, the Department for Transport (DfT) has launched a new trial with Thurrock and York Councils to examine how potholes are identified and managed. A 'pothole-spotter' system, mounted to refuse collection vehicles, will be deployed to identify road surface problems before they become potholes. The system uses high-definition cameras, integrated navigation system and intelligent software to identify potential issues.

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The DfT is also supporting plans for a new motorway junction on the M11, near Harlow in Essex, ensuring the delivery of 15,000 new homes. The project will be part-funded by Essex County Council and could begin construction in 2019.

Transport Minister Andrew Jones said: "Roads play a significant part in everyday life linking people with jobs and businesses with customers, which is why this government is investing record amounts improving and maintaining highways across the country to help motorists.

"The funding we have allocated today is focused on relieving congestion and providing important upgrades to ensure our roads are fit for the future - helping to build an economy that works for everyone."

(LM/CD)