Find out how much more your region will get from government to fill potholes.
With a record £1.6 billion funding boost, the UK Government aims to reverse a decade of road decline by enabling local councils to repair over seven million additional potholes. This unprecedented investment, significantly exceeding manifesto commitments, is designed to improve road safety, reduce repair costs for drivers, and support the Government’s broader Plan for Change. Local authorities are being encouraged to prioritise and target repairs where they are most needed, with a call for the public to report potholes in their communities.
A Landmark Investment to Fix Potholes and Rebuild Britain’s Roads
The UK Government has announced a historic £1.6 billion injection into local road maintenance for 2025-2026, an increase of nearly 50% from the previous year. This landmark investment aims to repair over seven million additional potholes across England’s roads. The funding forms part of the Government’s wider Plan for Change, designed to boost infrastructure, support local economies, and raise living standards nationwide.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer emphasised the broader goal of “putting more money back into the pockets of hardworking people and improving living standards,” highlighting the cost-saving benefits for drivers. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander echoed these sentiments, stating that the funds would help “reverse a decade of decline” on England’s roads.
Funding Breakdown and Regional Allocations on Potholes
The £1.6 billion funding package is designed to empower local authorities to address the areas in greatest need. The allocations for regional councils are as follows:
- North West, North East, and Yorkshire and Humber: Over £327 million
- East Midlands and West Midlands: Over £372 million
- East of England: Over £244 million
- South East and London: Over £322 million
- South West: Over £300 million
This funding is intended to give councils the flexibility to target repairs in the most urgent areas. The Department for Transport will introduce an incentive scheme, with 25% of the uplift held back until authorities demonstrate that they are delivering results. The Government is also encouraging the public to report potholes in their area, giving communities a role in ensuring their local roads are repaired.
Impact on Motorists and Local Communities
The state of England’s roads has been a long-standing concern for local communities, drivers, and cyclists. Figures from the RAC show that motorists encounter an average of six potholes per mile, with repair costs averaging £500 per incident and significantly more for severe damage. With potholes posing a danger to cyclists and motorcyclists, the investment has been welcomed as a vital step toward safer roads.
RAC head of policy Simon Williams called it “the biggest one-off road maintenance funding settlement councils in England have ever been given” and highlighted the significance of the requirement for councils to focus on preventative maintenance. Meanwhile, AA President Edmund King urged councils to prioritise “permanent and innovative repairs rather than a ‘patch and run’ approach.”
Accountability and Efficiency in Road Maintenance and Fixing Potholes
To ensure that local authorities use the funds effectively, the Government has attached conditions to the release of the full funding. Councils must provide evidence of their repair work, prioritise areas of greatest need, and adopt preventative maintenance strategies. This proactive approach aims to prevent potholes from forming in the first place, reducing long-term repair costs.
The Government has also introduced reforms to tackle the issue of disruptive street works. New measures will double the fixed penalty notices issued to utility companies that fail to meet street works regulations and extend charges for street works that overrun into weekends. The Department for Transport is also consulting on devolving lane rental powers to local mayors, enabling local control over street works and encouraging quicker completion of essential works.
Public Engagement: Encouraging Communities to Report Potholes
The public has a direct role to play in supporting road repairs. By reporting potholes to local councils, residents can help authorities identify areas that require urgent attention. This “bottom-up” approach aims to ensure that communities receive timely repairs, and local authorities are held accountable for addressing the issues reported.
Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, stressed that local involvement is crucial to success, saying, “Potholes damage cars and make pedestrians and cyclists less safe. We are investing £1.6 billion to fix up to seven million more potholes next year.” By reporting potholes, the public can accelerate repair efforts and contribute to the overall improvement of local roads.
Long-Term Vision: Rebuilding Britain’s Infrastructure
The £1.6 billion for pothole repairs is part of a broader government initiative to “rebuild Britain” through targeted investment in infrastructure. Local councils will also benefit from an additional £69 billion to support core services and community initiatives. The Plan for Change aims to not only repair roads but also to create more liveable, connected communities, supporting economic growth and enhancing daily life for residents.
Final Thoughts: Driving Change, One Road at a Time
The Government’s £1.6 billion road maintenance fund represents a significant shift in addressing England’s longstanding pothole problem. While local authorities are being equipped with the financial resources to make lasting improvements, the public’s role in reporting potholes and holding councils accountable is equally important. This dual effort aims to deliver safer, smoother journeys for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike.
By fixing the equivalent of seven million extra potholes, this initiative promises to save drivers money, protect vulnerable road users, and support the Government’s Plan for Change. The challenge now lies with local authorities to ensure these funds are used efficiently and deliver lasting improvements that residents can see and feel. The public’s ability to report issues and demand action could prove essential in ensuring this funding drives real, tangible change on England’s roads.
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