Calls for car tax paid by Essex drivers to be invested in Essex’s roads

Tax currently paid by Essex car drivers should be reinvested in repairing the county's roads, the Essex County Council Leader has said.

Ringfencing Vehicle Excise Duty so it's included in the council's annual budget from Government and using it to repair potholes and other road issues would significantly boost the council's ability to deliver more repairs and road maintenance across Essex.

Essex County Council Leader, Councillor Kevin Bentley, said: "Essex motorists are facing a significant increase in the tax they pay for their vehicles but no prospect of the return on investment needed from Government to help fix the county's roads.

"Essex County Council has invested a record £37 million additional money in road repairs this year, but it's time for Government to show equal ambition and ensure the county gets the funding it needs to fix and maintain our roads."

The additional £37 million being invested in 2024/25 is currently being invested in both smaller scale pothole and pavement repairs and larger scale resurfacing, vegetation clearance and white lining improvements.