England road condition and maintenance trends

Data from the Department for Transport (DfT) indicates a decline in the quality of major roads in England, with nearly 45% of local councils reporting an increase in ‘A’ roads categorized as ‘red’—signifying poor condition—between 2024 and 2026. While 4% of local ‘A’ roads were classified as red in 2026, 28% were classed as ‘amber’, suggesting imminent maintenance needs. Specific local authorities, such as Brighton & Hove, Nottingham, and Brent, recorded higher rates of poor road conditions.

In response, the UK Government announced that road repair efforts are “starting to turn a corner,” with nearly 7,000 miles of road resurfacing scheduled for completion this financial year. This includes 5,000 miles of preventative maintenance and 2,000 miles of structural maintenance. Total spending has reached £4.9 billion, representing a more than 10% increase in resurfacing compared to the previous year. Additionally, the Government has unlocked £220 million in performance-based funding for councils meeting specific targets. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander stated that record funding and new accountability rules aim to reduce the financial burden on motorists, noting that pothole damage can lead to significant car repair bills.