Record levels of road maintenance funding are beginning to deliver improvements on England’s local roads, with almost 7,000 miles of resurfacing work expected to be completed this year, according to new government figures.
Data published by the government on 21 October 2026 shows councils across England are on course to resurface the equivalent distance between London and Singapore, representing an increase of more than 10% compared with the previous year.
The figures also reveal that local authorities are investing significantly more in highway maintenance, with total spending reaching £4.9 billion in 2026, around £800 million higher than before the current government took office.
Ministers say the improvements are being driven by the government’s £7.3 billion road maintenance programme, designed to reduce potholes, improve journey reliability and cut vehicle repair costs for motorists. The government estimates that better road conditions could save the average driver up to £600 annually in repair bills.
Alongside the maintenance programme, ministers have released a further £220 million in performance-related funding for councils that meet agreed road maintenance targets. Additional allocations are expected later this year, although authorities that fail to meet required standards could see funding withheld under the government’s accountability measures.
Potholes remain one of the most common complaints from road users, affecting daily journeys, public services and local economies. The latest measures form part of a wider transport agenda that includes recent action to tackle antisocial behaviour on public transport, including £100 bus fines and a crackdown on disruptive behaviour such as loud music on trains.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said:
“For too long potholes have been a source of national embarrassment, forcing hard-working people to fork out for repairs and posing a danger to all road users. But today’s figures show that we are starting to turn a corner.
“While we know there is much more to do, our record funding, combined with tough new rules holding councils to account, mean that drivers are making smoother journeys while giving people roads they can rely on.”
The data submitted by councils indicates that 94% of authorities plan to undertake preventative maintenance this year, helping to address road deterioration before potholes develop. This represents a marked increase from 76% in the previous year, suggesting a shift towards longer-term asset management rather than repeated reactive repairs.
Government ministers argue that the combination of increased funding, clearer expectations and stricter monitoring is encouraging councils to adopt more sustainable maintenance strategies, delivering better value for taxpayers and reducing costs for residents.
The announcement follows separate figures released last week which showed an improvement in local road conditions during the year ending March 2026, with fewer minor roads requiring maintenance interventions.
For local authorities, the latest figures will be seen as evidence of growing investment in road infrastructure. However, councils continue to face pressure to balance highway maintenance demands alongside wider financial challenges and increasing service costs.
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