New reports indicate a record expenditure on road maintenance, with local councils spending over £800 million more than two years ago. This increased investment aims to help motorists avoid costly repair bills. Nearly 7,000 miles of road resurfacing are scheduled for completion this year, a 10% increase from last year.
The government has released an additional £220 million to councils across England to further repair potholes nationwide. Figures show that councils are investing more in their roads, with a total of £4.9 billion being spent this year, an increase of £800 million since the current government took office. This record funding, part of a £7.3 billion commitment to road maintenance, is contributing to better roads and helping the average driver save up to nearly £600 on repairs.
Following the release of today's data, the government has unlocked the £220 million in incentive-based funding for councils that meet performance-based targets. Further funding will be released later in the year, contingent on councils reaching their targets, and may be withheld if they fail to do so, as part of the government's accountability measures.
“"For too long potholes have been a source of national embarrassment, forcing hard-working people to fork out for repairs and posing a danger to all road users. But today’s figures show that we are starting to turn a corner."
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander stated that while more work is needed, the record funding and new rules for councils are leading to smoother journeys and more reliable roads. The reports submitted by councils show that 94% will complete preventative roadworks this year, a significant increase from 76% last year, indicating a behavioural change driven by government direction, funding, and monitoring.
Additional figures released last week also indicated an improvement in local road conditions for the year ending March 2026, with fewer minor roads requiring maintenance due to previous works. Dan Joyce, Operations Director at Kwik Fit, welcomed the increased investment and the focus on proactive maintenance, noting that potholes cause costly damage and pose road safety risks. Simon Williams, RAC head of policy, also found the data encouraging, highlighting the importance of preventative maintenance to stop potholes forming.
