A new ratings system lets the public see how well each of the 154 local highway authorities in England is fixing potholes and maintaining roads.
An interactive map provides a visual appraisal of progress, with authorities graded red, amber or green based on road conditions, spending, and adherence to best practice.
The government announced the new ratings on 11 January, framing the introduction in relation to a £7.3 billion investment in road maintenance. A statement said investment was necessary, to move away from expensive, short-term repairs of potholes and instead invest in long-term preventative measures.
Tackling the problem would lower the average vehicle repair bill from hitting potholes, estimated at around £320, with some motorists paying over £1,000 last year.
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 added that the government’s £7.3 billion investment “is enough for LHAs to renew and improve tens of thousands of miles of roads in every corner of the country.”
The red, amber, green ratings are based on 3 key areas:
• the condition of local roads
• how much LHAs are spending on road repairs
• whether they are following best practice in maintaining highways
Those that scored ‘green’, like Leeds, Sandwell and Manchester, are able to demonstrate they are following best practice, such as investing in more long-term preventative measures rather than just patching up potholes.
‘Amber’ ranked LHAs display some of these qualities but with weaknesses in specific areas, while those rated ‘red’ are falling short.
To boost standards, red-rated LHAs “will receive dedicated support to bring them in line with best practices, backed by £300,000 worth of expert planning and capability assistance”. The support programme will include peer reviews where sector experts will help improve processes and provide practical advice.
As an incentive to better roads, access to full future funding allocations will be linked to performance, ensuring councils are encouraged to get on with the job and use taxpayer money efficiently to repair and maintain their roads before potholes form.
In an apparent bid to advance the transparency of LHAs, the government said 25% of local highway authorities’ £500 million funding uplift this financial year was withheld until they published transparency reports and set out how they comply with best practice. The withheld £125 million in funding was unlocked at the end of last year by councils which successfully submitted their reports.
