Sandwell council leading the way after devoting most of its road budget to potholes

Drivers across the West Midlands can now see how well their local councils are dealing with potholes after the Government published a new traffic light rating system for road maintenance.

The scheme grades local highway authorities as red, amber or green, based on the condition of their roads, how effectively they spend Government funding and whether they follow best practice. 

The ratings were released in an online map – https://maps.dft.gov.uk/local-road-maintenance-ratings-map/index.html – ahead of National Pothole Day – January 15.

Coventry, Sandwell and Worcestershire were among the authorities awarded a green rating, reflecting strong road conditions and a focus on long-term preventative maintenance rather than short-term repairs. 

Amber rated authorities showed some good performance but with areas for improvement, while those rated red were judged not to be meeting expected standards in one or more areas.

An interactive map showing every authority’s rating has been published, with ministers saying the system is designed to improve transparency and drive better performance.

Sandwell is allocating 90% of highway funding to tackling potholes

The announcement comes ahead of a visit by Local Roads Minister, Lilian Greenwood, to Sandwell, which has directed about 90 per cent of its highway funding towards preventing potholes from forming.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said drivers had “paid the price” for years because roads were allowed to deteriorate. 

She said the Government was “putting our money where our mouth is” adding: “Now it’s over to them to spend the money wisely.”

Sandwell Council leader Kerrie Carmichael said the authority was “very pleased to achieve a green rating” adding: “This reflects years of consistent investment, smart planning and a commitment to doing things the right way.”

AA president Edmund King said: “The top transport demand for 96 per cent of AA members is fixing potholes.” 

He said the ratings should help hold councils to account.

RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: “Drivers have for too long been left with substandard roads.”

Government said authorities rated red would receive targeted support, with future funding linked to performance, as part of a £7.3 billion national investment in local road maintenance.