Is your local authority really tackling the country’s pothole problem?

Consumer Editor

4 minute read|13th Jan 2026

A new Government‑issued traffic‑light system now ranks all 154 local highway authorities (LHAs) in England as green, amber, or red, giving drivers a clear picture of how well their area is dealing with potholes and long‑term road upkeep.

Drivers across England can now quickly check how effectively their council is managing road conditions, thanks to this first‑ever national rating scheme.

The system evaluates each LHA’s current road quality and how efficiently they are using the government’s £7.3 billion investment aimed at tackling potholes and improving long‑term maintenance.

Each LHA is assessed across three core areas. Including the condition of the local road network, levels of investment in repairs and maintenance, and the use of recognised best‑practice methods to tackle the problem.

Authorities achieving a green rating have demonstrated strong long‑term planning, solid investment in preventative maintenance, and consistently good road conditions.

Those rated amber show progress but still have gaps to address, while red‑rated authorities are falling short in one or more key areas, whether that’s road condition, maintenance strategy, or investment levels.

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Looking ahead, future funding will be tied to performance by the local authorities.

Councils that demonstrate effective use of taxpayer money and a commitment to long‑term road improvement will have access to full funding allocations, encouraging authorities to prioritise durable repairs and prevent potholes before they form.

RAC Head of Policy, Simon Williams, said: “These new ratings are a positive move that will help drivers understand how councils are performing when it comes to improving the state of local roads.

“While there are examples of good road maintenance practice taking place, this isn’t consistent across the country and means drivers have, for too long, been left with substandard roads.

“We hope this initiative, plus the promise of longer-term funding for councils to allow them to plan and carry out much-needed preventative maintenance, means we’re finally on the way to having smoother, better roads.”

What local authorities are currently rated ‘red’?

The new ratings system has highlighted the areas of England that are currently not meeting the Government’s expectations when it comes to dealing with the pothole problem.

Those authorities are: