An extra £66 million has been allocated to improve local roads in England.

The funding is in addition to the £2.1 billion already provided for highways maintenance.

Transport minister Paul Clark said: "This additional funding will allow local authorities to carry out improvements to important local highways bringing benefits to all who use the roads."

The first £32 million will be made available from April so councils can start planning improvements immediately.

The remainder will be provided from April 2010.