The UK Department for Transport (DfT) has revealed a new interactive map that tracks how local highway authority (LHA) are tackling potholes under their jurisdiction.
The new ratings grade 154 local highway authority (LHA) as red, amber or green based on current road condition in addition to showing how effectively they are spending government investment.
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
These investments are primarily sourced via the government’s £7.3bn funding to fix potholes designed to fund long term measures to maintain roads.
DfT stated that this allows them to repair potholes effectively and move away from expensive, short-term repairs and instead invest in long-term preventative measures.
UK transport secretary Heidi Alexander said: “For too long, drivers have paid the price because our roads were left to deteriorate.
“We’ve put our money where our mouth is, increasing the funding for local highway authorities with £7.3bn to fix roads and given them the long-term certainty they have been asking for.
“Now it’s over to them to spend the money wisely, and for the first time, we are making sure the public can see how well councils are doing in delivering the improvements they want to see in their local area.
“This government’s record investment will save drivers money on repairs, make roads safer and help restore pride in our communities.”
