The UK government hopes to start tackling the country’s ongoing pothole problem; they will offer local councils £1.6 billion in funding to repair roads and fill potholes
As part of this the councils must prove they are taking real action to address the issue or risk losing a significant portion of the funding.
Improving the conditions of roads in the UK
From mid-April, local authorities across England will receive their share of this funding, including an additional £500 million to fill potholes.
However, councils will only be eligible for the full amount if they meet the right requirements. By June 30, they must publish annual progress reports that detail how much they have spent, how many potholes have been filled, and the overall condition of their roads.
If councils fail to show good progress, they will lose 25% of their share of the additional £500 million, totalling £125 million across all authorities.
Improving local infrastructure
The funding is expected to fill approximately 7 million potholes annually, significantly helping Britain’s road network strain. The government has acknowledged potholes’ impact on drivers, with figures from the RAC showing an average of six potholes per mile on roads across England and Wales.
The AA estimates that the average cost of repairing vehicle damage caused by potholes is £600, placing an unnecessary financial burden on drivers.
As well as the £1.6 billion allocated for local road repairs, the government will invest £4.8 billion into major road projects between 2025 and 2026.
This includes important improvements to motorways and A-roads, such as the A47 near Norwich and the M3 junction in Hampshire, which will help boost the economy by enhancing transport links and creating jobs
Councils must also outline their long-term plans to prevent future potholes from forming, including investing in preventative maintenance and planning for the impact of wet winters, which can exacerbate road damage.
Local authorities must ensure that residents are involved by seeking their input on which roads require urgent attention.
Relieving financial pressure on drivers
Alongside road maintenance, the government is also freezing fuel duties for another year to help alleviate cost-of-living pressures for drivers. This freeze will save the average motorist £59 annually and provide further financial relief amid rising fuel prices.
The government’s efforts to tackle potholes are widely supported by various groups, including businesses, motorcyclists, and cyclists, who have warned about the safety hazards and economic costs caused by poor road conditions. Businesses, in particular, have faced mounting repair costs and delays due to road damage, affecting their operations and bottom line.
Local authorities are told to act quickly and use the funding effectively, as councils that are seen to be underperforming may face further scrutiny. In addition to repairing potholes, councils are encouraged to adopt best practices and innovative solutions to ensure that repairs are not just quick fixes but long-lasting solutions.
The government is also introducing a new online portal where the public can report potholes directly to their local councils, helping authorities stay on top of the issue and ensure that potholes are dealt with quickly.
Overall, this plan hopes to create softer, smoother roads for all users and reduce the number of accidents caused by hazardous road conditions.
