Gloucestershire has been ranked among the best local authorities in England for tackling potholes and maintaining its roads, according to a new national highways performance map published by the Department for Transport (DfT).
The DfT assessment compares every local highway authority using three measures: the condition of roads, levels of investment in maintenance, and how effectively councils follow best practice to prevent and repair potholes. Authorities are rated red, amber or green, with Gloucestershire emerging at the top of the table with a green rating.
The ranking reflects sustained improvement and investment by Gloucestershire County Council, including increased resurfacing, greater use of modern repair technologies and a move towards faster, more permanent pothole repairs across the county’s road network.
Despite the national recognition, the council acknowledges that many residents remain frustrated by the condition of some local roads, following years of under-investment and the ongoing impact of severe weather.
Over the past year, the council has accelerated its resurfacing and maintenance programme, prioritising the worst-affected roads and increasing both the pace and volume of permanent repairs. Investment in higher-quality materials, improved inspections and more responsive repair teams is focused on delivering longer-lasting solutions rather than repeat patch-ups.
To build on this progress, the council is also proposing a £15 million uplift in its highways budget over the next three years.
Cllr Joe Harris, Cabinet Member for Highways at Gloucestershire County Council, said:
“The council is committed to fixing our roads and it’s encouraging to see our work recognised nationally. I want to thank our highways teams for the huge effort that has gone into getting us to this point.
“But people don’t care about league tables when they hit a pothole – they care about whether their road is being fixed. There are still far too many roads that fall below the standard we’d expect, and that’s exactly what we are focused on now. This is one milestone on a longer journey to deliver visible, lasting improvements across Gloucestershire.”
The council will continue to publish road condition data, keep residents informed about where work is taking place, and expand its resurfacing and repair programme as part of its ongoing commitment to improving Gloucestershire’s highways.
Residents can report potholes and track repairs through Fix My Street, or find out what work is planned in their area at gloucestershire.gov.uk/highways.
