A new map that rates councils red, amber or green, according to how well they are fixing local roads has been published by the Department for Transport (DfT).

The new ratings – the first of their kind – grade 154 local highway authorities (LHAs) based on current road condition and how effectively they are spending their share of the Government’s road maintenance funding.

Several councils, including Leeds, Essex, Wiltshire and Darlington were given a green rating, while 13 local authorities received a red rating. They included Bedford, West Northamptonshire, North Lincolnshire and Derbyshire.

The interactive map shows every LHA’s rating, to highlight best practice and drive improved performance from councils.   

To boost standards, LHAs currently rated red will receive dedicated support to bring them in line with best practices, backed by £300,000 worth of expert planning and capability assistance, says the DfT. 

The support programme will include peer reviews where sector experts will help improve processes and provide practical advice.

Access to full future funding allocations will be linked to performance.

To further ensure transparency from LHAs, 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 £125m in funding was unlocked at the end of last year by councils which successfully submitted their reports.

The publication of the road repairs map comes after research from the RAC showed that fleets and drivers have a slim chance of making a successful claim for pothole compensation.

Further information:

https://www.fleetnews.co.uk/news/dft-rates-council-pothole-repairs-new-road-condition-map-published