Potholes Map Rates Council Road Repair Progress
Drivers across England now have access to a groundbreaking mapping tool that reveals how effectively local authorities are managing roads plagued by potholes. Utilizing a traffic light rating system, this resource aims to enhance transparency regarding road maintenance efforts.
Pothole Ratings for Local Authorities
Thirteen local councils—including Cumberland, Bolton, Kensington and Chelsea, Bedford, West Northamptonshire, North Lincolnshire, and Derbyshire—have been rated red due to the poor condition of their roads and limited effectiveness in using government funding for repairs. In contrast, councils such as Essex, Wiltshire, Coventry, Leeds, and Darlington have earned a green rating on the Department for Transport (DfT) map.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander emphasized that motorists have suffered long enough, stating, People are fed up of driving to work and hitting the same pothole day after day. Many drivers have incurred hefty expenses for needless trips to the garage as a result of these road conditions. She highlighted that increased funding for councils is crucial, and there needs to be a transparent method for the public to track the utilization of these funds.
Government Investment and Funding Allocation
In November’s Budget, the government committed to investing £7.3 billion over the next four years to enhance road conditions. The DfT assessed 154 local highway authorities, categorizing them into red, amber, or green based on their road conditions and expenditure of government funds. Most councils received an amber rating, indicating they are actively repairing roads and applying preventative measures, although improvements are still required.
Derbyshire, once dubbed the pothole capital of the UK, scored lowest in road maintenance. Recent data from the RAC indicates that between 2021 and 2024, Derbyshire experienced a significant increase in compensation claims related to pothole damage. However, the council’s cabinet member for potholes, highways, and transport, Charlotte Hill, noted claims had decreased by 72% since May 2025.
Support for Red-Rated Councils
Councils receiving a red rating will benefit from additional support, with the government earmarking £300,000 for specialized planning and capability assistance. Furthermore, the DfT announced that future funding will be linked to performance metrics, aiming to incentivize councils to utilize taxpayer money effectively in preventing potholes.
Alexander mentioned that prior to this initiative, no systematic data collection on potholes had been conducted, nor was there a standardized definition. She explained that the mapping tool evaluates conditions based on three critical factors: road condition, investment levels, and adherence to best practices to ensure value for money.
The Scale of the Pothole Problem
The UK is believed to have over one million potholes, leading to 25,758 incidents in 2025, according to the RAC. Damaged roads not only pose risks to vehicles but also result in numerous injuries and accidents annually. The RAC reports that drivers often bear an average cost of £590 for pothole-related damage, with some facing expenses exceeding £1,000. Common vehicle issues caused by potholes include:
– Damaged shock absorbers
– Broken suspension springs
– Distorted wheels
Tom Hunt, chair of the Local Government Association’s Inclusive Growth Committee, remarked that the increased funding represents a helpful step in the right direction. However, he warned that councils are facing a staggering £17 billion backlog in road repairs. Long-term funding strategies and preventative measures are essential for saving taxpayer money and minimizing repair needs.
Shadow Transport Secretary Richard Holden voiced skepticism, asserting, A map won’t stop tyres blowing or suspensions snapping. He urged for concrete actions to support motorists, who are already feeling the financial strain.
As the government continues to invest in local councils, the new potholes map offers a vital tool for citizens seeking accountability and improved road conditions.