Potholes across England remain a widespread problem, with new analysis revealing major differences in how effectively local authorities repair and maintain roads. An interactive pothole map shows road conditions across England, rating councils using a traffic light system that highlights where surfaces are improving and where deterioration continues.
The data, published alongside government figures, shows that while some local highway authorities score highly for pothole repair and long-term planning, others struggle with worsening road conditions. Poor surfaces have been linked to rising vehicle repair costs for drivers and increased safety concerns, particularly during winter months.
The Department for Transport says councils in England have access to £7.3bn in long-term road maintenance funding, describing it as record investment aimed at improving transparency and accountability. Officials argue that publishing council pothole ratings allows residents to see how their local authority is performing and how public money is being used.
However, industry groups and motoring organisations say funding alone does not guarantee better outcomes. They point to staffing shortages, inflation-driven material costs and historic underinvestment as reasons why pothole conditions across England continue to vary widely.
The pothole map UK tool allows residents to check pothole conditions, compare council effectiveness and see whether roads in their area are getting better or worse. The findings underline ongoing debate over government pothole funding, local authority performance and the challenge of delivering consistent road quality nationwide.
