How good or bad is your council at tackling potholes? New map shows road conditions across England

The Department for Transport (DfT) has launched a new traffic‑rating map that categorises 154 local highway authorities as red, amber or green based on road condition and spending on maintenance. Red counties, identified as the worst performers, include Cumberland in Cumbria, Bolton in Greater Manchester, Leicestershire, Suffolk and Kensington‑Chelsea in central London. Green‑rated councils such as Essex, Wiltshire, Coventry, Leeds and Darlington have adopted best‑practice, long‑term preventive measures. The map follows the government’s commitment to spend £7.3 billion on road maintenance over four years to 2029/30, with an additional £1.6 billion this fiscal year – a £500 million rise. Red areas will receive a £300 000 support package. RAC figures show a typical pothole repair costs £590, while Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said the new system will help councils use funding more efficiently. Shadow Transport Secretary Richard Holden warned the map alone won’t fix tyre damage.