Drivers across England can now see exactly how their local authority is handling the nation's pothole plague, thanks to a new set of interactive maps published by the government. The tool uses a traffic light system to rank councils both on the current state of their roads and on how effectively they respond to reported potholes.
The Traffic Light Truth: Red, Amber, Green Councils
The stark ratings reveal a significant postcode lottery for road users. Eleven local councils have been given the lowest possible 'red' rating for the current condition of their highways. In contrast, a more fortunate twenty-six authorities received a top 'green' rating, indicating the best-maintained roads.
The data shows a pronounced geographical split, with the majority of the worst-performing red-rated councils concentrated in the capital. Only three authorities outside London found themselves in the red category: Derbyshire, Bath and North East Somerset, and West Northamptonshire.
The London boroughs branded with the red rating for road conditions are: Bromley, Kensington and Chelsea, Kingston upon Thames, Merton, Richmond upon Thames, Sutton, Waltham Forest, and Wandsworth.
Government and Industry Reaction to the Ratings
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander stated the new transparency was a direct response to long-standing driver frustration. "For too long, drivers have paid the price because our roads were left to deteriorate," she said. Alexander highlighted the government's £7.3 billion funding increase for local highway authorities, aimed at providing long-term certainty for repairs. "Now it’s over to them to spend the money wisely," she added, "and for the first time, we are making sure the public can see how well councils are doing."
The initiative has been welcomed by motoring and cycling groups. AA President Edmund King, a founding member of the Pothole Partnership, said: "We welcome this government initiative to hold local highways authorities to account." He noted that fixing potholes is the top transport demand for 96% of AA members.
Caroline Julian of British Cycling, another Pothole Partnership founder, emphasised the critical safety issue for riders. "For cyclists, potholes are far more than an annoyance. One unexpected impact can cause a serious crash, life-changing injury or, in the worst cases, a fatality," she said, describing the mapping tool as "a step forward" for holding decision-makers accountable.
The Path Towards Smother Roads
RAC Head of Policy, Simon Williams, expressed hope that the combination of public ratings and promised longer-term funding would lead to more consistent road maintenance. "We hope this initiative... means we’re finally on the way to having smoother, better roads," he commented.
Kerry Winstanley of the Local Council Roads Innovation Group (LCRIG) pointed out that the ratings, released alongside record investment, provide a "clear opportunity to target support" where it is most needed. The goal, supported by collaborative work and innovation, is to move towards a nationally green-rated road network.
The newly published maps allow residents to search for their local council and instantly see its dual rating for road condition and response performance, offering an unprecedented level of public scrutiny on an issue that affects millions of journeys daily.
