Merton’s roads are getting worse, MP says – but council disputes claim

By Harrison Galliven, Local Democracy Reporter

Merton now has the worst roads in London, with four in 10 ‘unclassified’ roads rated as ‘poor’ according to the borough’s MP.

This marks a dramatic increase from last year, when just 23 per cent of roads were in poor condition, according to a study by the Liberal Democrats locally.

Wimbledon MP Paul Kohler said road quality is the number one issue for Merton residents he speaks to. He added: “They have been neglected for far too long, and the Merton Labour council need to start putting our money where the potholes are.”

Merton Lib Dems claim their data shows that the number of local unclassified roads categorised as ‘poor’ in Merton have doubled in a year, leaving the borough with the highest number of all of London’s 32 boroughs – though Merton council says it does not recognise the data as an accurate reflection saying its A roads, which are not covered by the statistics, are above average.

Unclassified roads are generally smaller, local roads that do not carry as much traffic – classified roads, on the other hand, include motorways and A roads.

Merton Lib Dems feel the government’s funding for roads for 2025-26 is a short-term measure and not needs-based, meaning Merton could lose out to other boroughs whose roads are in better condition.

Mr Kohler said: “Every council has suffered under the Tories’ mismanagement of the economy, so why are Merton’s local roads the worst in London and the second worst in the country? I’m calling on the former leader of the Labour Council, Cllr Stephen Alambritis, now the cabinet member responsible for transport, to please make mending our roads his number one priority.”

The Lib Dem MP for Wimbledon raised these concerns in Parliament during an attack on the Labour-run Merton Council for its alleged failure to maintain the roads.

Many residents testify to the dangerous nature of their roads. Cyclist Sean Reed highlighted the state of London Road in Mitcham, particularly in the bus lane, where potholes have nearly caused him to lose control of his bike. He added that the conditions on Mill Green in Mitcham also ‘shake the car to death’ whenever he drives there.

Another Merton resident, Cherelle Mercado, pointed out ongoing pothole issues on Western Road, saying: “The front of the Toby Carvery leading to the Canons is horrendous. It’s been that way for months.”

Renters and homeowners on Mitcham’s Commonside East gained national attention last year when they spoke about having to fork out thousands to repair their cars due to the poor quality of their road.

Merton Lib Dem councillor Matthew Willis said: “Residents continue to tell us local roads are not up to scratch. Often, when potholes are reported, they are not repaired quickly, and they become bigger problems.”

Merton council disputed Mr Kohler’s figures, stating that only around half of London councils provided data to the DfT, meaning it doesn’t reflect the full picture of road conditions. Merton also insisted its A roads were in better condition than the London average.

A spokesman said: “Merton council does not recognise this analysis as providing an accurate assessment. Just last year, Transport for London assessed our roads as above average. London and pan-London data showed our A-roads are in better condition than the London average, while our latest residents’ survey did not highlight damage to roads as an issue for our communities.

“Merton repaired 1,130 potholes over the past year – with nearly 100 per cent repaired on time (between 10 and 28 days). Other local authorities in London carried out repairs on more than three times that number.”

Pictured top: Barnscroft Road is typical of too many ‘smaller roads’ in the borough, according to critics (Picture: LDRS/Harrison Galliven)