Stephen Price, a prominent member of Dudley’s Green Party and candidate for the Norton ward in the upcoming local elections, has raised serious concerns about the deteriorating condition of roads in the region. He revealed that the poor state of pothole-ridden streets has forced his children to give up cycling altogether.
Price, co-chair of Dudley’s Greens, argues that potholes are merely one visible consequence of the borough’s heavy traffic congestion. “I used to cycle regularly, but the roads here—pitted with potholes, especially near the edges—make cycling unsafe and unpleasant,” he said. “My children were enthusiastic cyclists when we moved here, but now they refuse to get on their bikes.”
He emphasized that the issue extends beyond road damage. “Potholes affect all vehicles, but more importantly, our traffic management strategy is lacking. The volume of cars on these roads hasn’t been effectively addressed, and there are no convenient alternatives for people to get around without relying on their cars."
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Dudley Council responded by highlighting its ongoing commitment to road maintenance. In 2025, they repaired over 25,000 square meters of roadway despite challenging weather that halted progress early in 2026. Simon Phipps, cabinet member for economy and infrastructure, acknowledged the national scale of the pothole problem but reassured that the council’s teams work tirelessly, often overnight, to fix the most hazardous areas. He also pointed to a long-term improvement program funded with increased investment, designed to shift away from short-term patchwork fixes used a decade ago.
For Price, the solution lies not only in repairing roads but also in transforming local transport options. He advocates for making walking and cycling more appealing and accessible while pushing forward major projects like the Midland Metro public transit expansion. “Traffic volume is a huge part of the problem. People need choices so they’re not forced to rely on their cars,” he said.
He acknowledges that large public transit projects take time, but believes quicker alternatives can be implemented. “We need a comprehensive, multi-layered strategy. But funding is a major hurdle. To make significant progress, wealthier residents must contribute more to these efforts.”