In recent months, one issue has filled my inbox more than almost any other: the state of our roads. Residents are rightly asking when lasting repairs will be delivered. 

I understand the frustration. Potholes are the jolt on the school run, the burst tyre on the way to work, and the dangerous hazard that cyclists and pedestrians have to circumnavigate. They don’t just affect motorists, but businesses, bus services and blue light vehicles too. In a constituency that prides itself on resilience and service, our roads should reflect that same standard. 

That is why the additional funding the Labour Government has provided for local highways maintenance matters. For 2025/26, Hampshire County Council, who are responsible for the upkeep of the majority of our roads, has been allocated £52.9 million for highway maintenance, including funding specifically aimed at tackling potholes and supporting longer term resurfacing programmes.  

I am determined that this extra investment results in visible improvements. I have met the Conservative-run County Council to press for clear timelines, transparent communication and a firm plan for permanent repairs, particularly in areas residents have repeatedly flagged with me. 

I have compiled a list of potholes that have been to reported to me and am pushing for action on each.  

Many people have asked why the County Council uses temporary patches that seem to fail within weeks. The Council’s explanation is that short term repairs are often used in winter to make roads safe quickly when cold and wet conditions prevent more durable resurfacing. These interventions are intended to reduce immediate risk and stop further deterioration. In warmer months, planned resurfacing and longer lasting works can be carried out more effectively. I have made clear that temporary fixes must not become the default. Where they are used, there must be a clear pathway to a permanent solution. 

The sink hole that has closed Victoria Road in Aldershot town centre has been a stark example of how slow coordination can compound disruption. It took four weeks simply to establish that Thames Water was responsible. I have had to bang heads together, bringing the County Council and the utility companies to the table to secure clarity and action. Our town centre cannot afford prolonged stand offs between agencies while traders suffer and residents face daily inconvenience. 

Situations like this underline why proactive maintenance and clear accountability are essential. National funding is part of the solution, but strong local delivery and effective partnership working are just as important. 

Residents also play a vital role. Reporting potholes directly to the County Council ensures defects are logged and inspected. If you let me know too, it strengthens the case I can make on your behalf. 

My role as your Member of Parliament is not to manage the highways directly, but to advocate, challenge and convene. I will continue pressing for the funding allocated to Hampshire to be used effectively, for agencies to work together properly, and for our community to see the safer, smoother roads it deserves.