Councils will lose a third of their highways funding unless they demonstrate publicly how well they repair their roads and show what they are doing to avoid short-term fixes, under tough new rules.
The reporting requirements are aimed at encouraging full road resurfacing and preventing potholes, with local authorities made to publish transparency reports that reveal how well they are tackling the country’s crumbling network.
The department for transport said if councils do not follow this new guidance, or fail to publish their reports on time, they will have almost a third of this year’s funding held back to ensure they are transparent with taxpayers.
Roads Minister Simon Lightwood said: “For too long motorists have been left incensed by short-term work being prioritised over genuine long-term repairs. Thanks to our new guidance, that changes today.
“For the first time not only will councils need to show just how many potholes they are filling in, but what they are doing to avoid going back to fix the same pothole time and again - something which understandably infuriates drivers.”
David Giles, chair of the Asphalt Industry Alliance, said: “Ensuring the right maintenance intervention is carried out at the right time is vital if local authorities are going to be able to make noticeable improvements to our local roads.
“This new guidance from the DfT, backed by the promise of increased investment, a longer-term funding horizon and greater accountability, will support highway teams in their efforts to do just that.
“It is another positive step towards supporting a long-term, pro-active approach to maintenance, which will allow authorities to shift the focus away from an endless cycle of pothole patch and repair and improve the condition and resilience of our local roads.”
