Drivers across England can now see how well their local councils are tackling potholes thanks to a new traffic light rating system unveiled by the government.
The first-of-its-kind system grades 154 Local Highway Authorities as red, amber or green, based on:
- Current road condition
- How effectively councils spend the government’s record £7.3 billion funding
- Adoption of best practice in road maintenance
An interactive map highlights each LHA’s rating, showcasing best performers and encouraging improvement where needed.
Authorities rated green, such as Leeds, Sandwell and Manchester, demonstrated strong investment in long-term preventative measures, maintaining good road conditions and avoiding costly short-term fixes. Amber authorities showed progress but need improvement, while red-rated councils will receive targeted support, including £300,000 in expert planning assistance and peer reviews.
The government’s multi-year investment aims to renew and improve tens of thousands of miles of roads, reducing pothole-related damage that costs drivers an average of £320 per repair, with some bills exceeding £1,000.
Future funding allocations will be linked to performance, ensuring councils deliver value for taxpayers and safer roads for motorists. Additional initiatives include extending the Live Labs 2 programme, promoting innovative, low-carbon materials for longer-lasting repairs.
Heidi Alexander, Secretary of State for Transport, commented:
“For too long, drivers have paid the price because our roads were left to deteriorate. I have heard time and again their frustration on footing the bill because they hit a pothole – money they should never have to spend in the first place.
“We’ve put our money where our mouth is, increasing the funding for local highway authorities with £7.3 billion to fix roads and given them the long-term certainty they have been asking for. Now it’s over to them to spend the money wisely, and for the first time, we are making sure the public can see how well councils are doing in delivering the improvements they want to see in their local area.
“This government’s record investment will save drivers money on repairs, make roads safer and help restore pride in our communities.”
This announcement coincides with the launch of the first Road Safety Strategy in over a decade, tackling drink-driving, improving young driver training and introducing mandatory eye tests for older motorists.
Image credit: iStock
