Kent County Council is Reforming Kent’s Roads with £67 million investment

A cut out of a highways worker holding a shovel with a bright yellow background. The words Reforming Kent's Roads is to the right in white text

Kent County Council (KCC) has announced plans to Reform Kent’s Roads starting with a major £67 million investment in the county’s 5,400-mile road network.

The money will be used to tackle potholes, renew road surfaces and prevent future damage, marking one of the largest investments in Kent’s roads in recent years. This year’s investment, which is already underway, includes:

  • £25 million for renewing and reconstructing roads
  • £10 million for preventative measures to stop potholes forming
  • £11 million for quick, efficient, and permanent local repairs by KCC Highways teams
  • £7 million on addressing the most urgent repairs to keep the roads and paths safe
  • £14.2 million in additional funding from the Department for Transport (DfT) for a dedicated pothole and patching programme – a 65% increase on last year’s investment.
Linden Kemkaran is smiling for his headshot photo in front of the county hall steps

Our plans to reform Kent’s roads are not only about repairing more of our roads, they are about building a smarter, more resilient road network for the future.

Linden Kemkaran Leader of KCC

Linden Kemkaran, Leader of KCC, said: “Kent’s residents have told us loud and clear that they are fed up with the poor state of our roads. Years of short-term, reactive funding from successive governments have left our road network in decline.

“So we are taking action and Reforming Kent’s Roads, starting this year by investing more money in repairs and maintenance. We are also reviewing highways contracts to ensure Kent council taxpayers get the most value from them and urging the government to work with us to change how council road repairs are funded. Kent’s roads are a vital part of the UK’s infrastructure and we are the Gateway County, helping to keep UK supply chains flowing, connecting the UK to Europe and unlocking jobs and prosperity.

“Our plans to reform Kent’s roads are not only about repairing more of our roads, they are about building a smarter, more resilient road network for the future.”

Peter Osborne smiles towards the camera and is standing in front of green leaves

We’re starting to make real progress in fixing potholes and repairing roads thanks to our hardworking highways teams.

Peter Osborne Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport

Peter Osborne, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, added: “So far, we’ve repaired more than 12,000 potholes – and we’re not stopping.

“Residents will have seen our crews out across the county, and while there’s still much to do, we’re starting to make real progress in fixing potholes and repairing roads thanks to our hardworking highways teams.

“We also rely on the public to help stay on top of road issues. If you spot a pothole or defect that could be dangerous, let us know. We have to use our funding wisely to fix the most urgent problems first – and your reports help us do that. If you report it, we’ll sort it.

“One resident recently praised the resurfacing of Spitfire Way in Hawkinge, calling it ‘a wonder to drive on’ and thanking the team for clear signage while the works took place.

“This kind of feedback shows the impact our teams are starting to have across Kent.”

Residents will expect to see more crews out on the road now, please treat them with respect as they make improvements to the highway.

Residents will expect to see more crews out on the road now, please treat them with respect as they make improvements to the highway. To report a pothole or road defect that could be dangerous, visit our website.

To follow the campaign’s progress and see where crews are working: