Essex Conservatives were proud to put forward a motion to Full Council, on Tuesday 10th December 2024, calling for Essex’s car tax revenue to be reinvested directly into the county's roads. The motion passed, receiving support from across the Chamber.
The motion, moved by Cllr Mark Durham and Seconded by Cllr Kevin Bentley, aims to ensure that the millions of pounds collected from Essex motorists each year are used to maintain and improve the local road network, rather than being sent to the Treasury. As Essex Residents, we know first hand, despite significant investment from the County Council in recent years more needs to be done to improve our local roads.
The motion highlighted the significant amount of car tax paid by Essex drivers, money that should directly benefit the county’s infrastructure. At a time when road maintenance is increasingly important to the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of transport in Essex, Essex Conservatives believe it is only right that this funding is kept in the county and ringfenced specifically for road repairs and upgrades.
The motion passed with overwhelming support, and it calls on the Government to include this additional funding in Essex County Council’s budget settlement for 2025 onwards, with the condition that it be allocated exclusively for road maintenance.
Cllr Durham, who moved the motion, commented: “Essex drivers contribute millions each year in car tax, and it is vital that this money is reinvested back into the county’s roads. Our highways are the lifeblood of Essex’s economy and communities, and it is only right that the funds collected from our motorists are used to maintain and improve the roads they use daily. This is about ensuring that Essex gets its fair share of funding to support our local infrastructure needs.”
Leader of Essex County Council, who seconded the motion, added: “Our residents rely on well-maintained roads for daily commuting, local businesses depend on smooth transport routes, and Essex County Council should be able to use this car tax revenue to improve what matters most. We urge the Government to listen to the voices of Essex and ensure these vital funds are directed towards the upkeep of our roads. I urge people to sign our petition which calls on Government to direct Essex Car Tax to repair Essex’s roads."
Essex Conservatives remain committed to fixing and enhancing Essex's Road Network, and this motion is an attempt to fight to ensure Essex receives its fair share of funding from the Labour Government!
