Drivers across England can now check how well their local council is tackling potholes through a new traffic light rating system launched by the Department for Transport. The system rates 154 local highway authorities as red, amber, or green based on road conditions and their use of government maintenance funding.
The vast majority of authorities received an amber rating. Red-rated councils including Cumberland in Cumbria, Bolton in Greater Manchester, Leicestershire, Suffolk, and Kensington and Chelsea in west London will receive £300,000 in dedicated support to improve their performance. Green-rated authorities such as Essex, Wiltshire, Coventry, Leeds, and Darlington are recognized for following best practice in preventative maintenance.
The government has increased local road maintenance funding to nearly £1.6 billion for the 2025/26 financial year. This represents a £500 million uplift compared with the previous 12 months. A quarter of the extra money was initially withheld until authorities submitted spending plans, ensuring strategic rather than reactive approaches.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: «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.» She emphasized the government's £7.3 billion commitment for local road maintenance through 2029/30 aims to save drivers money on repairs and make roads safer.
Impact on drivers
Potholes cause significant damage to vehicles. The RAC estimates a typical repair bill of £590 for a family car suffering pothole damage beyond a puncture. Common problems include damaged shock absorbers, broken suspension springs, and distorted wheels.
Edmund King, president of the AA, noted that tackling potholes is the top transport demand for 96% of AA members. He expects the new system to promote «more proactive and permanent repairs». Caroline Julian of British Cycling said the ratings offer «clear insight into how well their council is maintaining the routes they rely on every day».
Funding challenges
Tom Hunt, chairman of the Local Government Association's inclusive growth committee, highlighted the scale of the challenge: «Councils face a £17 billion backlog of road repairs. Only longer-term funding certainty will help councils more effectively plan for future maintenance schemes, focusing more on preventative measures – which will ultimately save the taxpayer money and reduce the need for repairs – and able to invest in innovation.»
Shadow transport secretary Richard Holden criticized the initiative, stating: «A map won't stop tyres blowing or suspensions snapping. Motorists, already being squeezed tight by Labour, deserve real action to back them – only the Conservatives will deliver that.»
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
