New Government Tool Lets Drivers See How Councils Are Tackling Potholes

Drivers in England can now check how local authorities are managing road maintenance with a new mapping tool and traffic-light rating system.

The Department for Transport (DfT) has published the interactive map showing which councils are performing well and which are struggling to keep roads in good condition.

Thirteen councils, including Cumberland, Bolton, Kensington and Chelsea, Bedford, West Northamptonshire, North Lincolnshire, and Derbyshire, were given a “red” rating, reflecting poor road conditions and ineffective use of government funding for repairs. Conversely, authorities such as Essex, Wiltshire, Coventry, Leeds, and Darlington received a “green” rating, indicating that their roads are in good condition and funds are being used efficiently.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander highlighted the impact on drivers, saying that people have been “paying the price for too long” when it comes to poor road surfaces. Speaking to BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, she said many commuters are “fed up of hitting the same pothole day after day,” often incurring hundreds of pounds in vehicle repair costs.

The map evaluates councils on three key criteria: the state of the road network, the level of investment being made, and whether councils are applying best practice and delivering value for money. According to the DfT, the ratings cover 154 local highway authorities, with most receiving an amber rating—indicating that roads are being patched and preventative measures are in place, but further improvement is needed.

Derbyshire, previously dubbed the “pothole capital of the UK,” scored lowest in the assessment. A recent RAC report found the county experienced the largest rise in claims for pothole damage between 2021 and 2024, though council figures show a 72% drop in claims since May 2025.

To support struggling councils, those rated red will receive additional funding, including £300,000 each. Future government investment in road maintenance will be tied to performance, with the aim of encouraging councils to use taxpayer money efficiently and prevent potholes from forming in the first place.

Alexander noted that, until now, no standardised data had been collected on potholes, and there was no official definition for them. She said the new mapping system represents the first attempt to gather and present this information in a consistent way.

The UK is estimated to have over one million potholes, contributing to 25,758 reported incidents in 2025, according to the RAC. Damaged roads result in serious injuries, accidents, and vehicle breakdowns every year. Repairs caused by potholes cost drivers an average of £590, though some face bills exceeding £1,000, including issues such as broken suspension springs, warped wheels, and damaged shock absorbers.

Tom Hunt, chair of the Local Government Association’s Inclusive Growth Committee, welcomed the extra funding as a positive step, but noted councils still face a £17 billion backlog in road repairs. He said long-term funding certainty and preventative maintenance would save taxpayer money while reducing future repairs.

However, Shadow Transport Secretary Richard Holden cautioned that the map alone will not prevent damage to vehicles. “Motorists, already under pressure from Labour policies, deserve real action, not just ratings on a map,” he said.