Rachel Reeves has come under fire hours after Keir Starmer hit drivers with another major bombshell.
Rachel Reeves has come under fire as roads funding is axed (Image: Getty)
Rachel Reeves has been blasted by a top motoring expert as Keir Starmer issues his final slap in the face to UK drivers. Earlier this week, the Prime Minister confirmed that a number of road infrastructure projects would be ditched, with money reallocated to defence spending.
The Department for Transport (DfT) will provide savings of up to £700million, with the possible cancellation of the A38 Derby Junctions and A46 Newark Bypass schemes. DfT is also set to explore limited reductions to as yet uncommitted roads funding as part of the new updates.
Roads projects has been axed as more money is allocated to defence (Image: Getty)
However, a Treasury report explains that the government was still set to remain committed to protecting funding for local authorities, with cash used to fix potholes and repair roads.
But, motoring expert Howard Cox, founder of campaign group FairFuelUK, has aimed his attention at Rachel Reeves, suggesting it was the Chancellor who was also needed to take some responsibility.
Posting on social media site X, Howard said: “The government is to use monies scheduled for roads investment to fund their clueless attempt to bolster our nation’s defence. As usual because of @RachelReevesMP fiscal incompetence it’s UK drivers that are to pick up the tab to pay for her mistakes.”
The news is the latest blow for road users and could be one of Keir Starmer‘s final acts as Prime Minister. Mr Starmer has already announced his resignation, with Andy Burnham tipped to take over as soon as the middle of July.
David Giles, Chair of the Asphalt Industry Alliance (AIA) has also expressed his frustration at the news, adding that UK roads were already in a woeful condition.
David explained: “It is disappointing that capital funding for new road projects looks set to be cut, but it is vital that the Government honours the pledge made today to protect funding for local authorities to carry out much needed road maintenance and pothole repairs.”
Meanwhile, East Midlands mayor Claire Ward, where two projects will be ditched, stressed that the news was unacceptable.
Claire stressed that she couldn’t understand why her area was the only one being impacted by a “trade-off”.