SURREY County Council has written to the Government’s Roads Minister asking him not to forget Surrey.

John Furey, Surrey’s Cabinet Member for Highways, wrote to Andrew Jones MP after it was revealed a new dedicated roads fund was not to be spent on any of the 3,300 miles managed by the county.

The new highways fund from Vehicle Excise Duty was announced by the Chancellor in his latest Budget but the small print indicates the money will only be spent on motorways and major A roads managed by Highways England, despite them only accounting for 100 miles of road in the county.

Mr Furey’s letter states that Surrey’s roads are the busiest outside London and highlights the importance of improving the roads for the safety and convenience of residents and businesses who rely on them in their daily lives.

Cllr Furey added: “With the county’s drivers contributing £100m in Vehicle Excise Duty every year and only getting £20m back to invest in our roads, it’s vital the minister takes action to ensure this new fund doesn’t bypass Surrey.

“Given Surrey’s contribution to the UK economy and the fact that Government funding for our roads is dropping by about £1m every year, my letter makes clear that a failure to change this proposal would not only let down Surrey residents and businesses but also threaten the financial recovery nationwide.”