Pothole recording and maintenance
Failures by highway inspectors to adequately record developing potholes and absence of paint markings, hindering timely repairs.
Strongest theme matches
Mixed across source types and ranked by classifier confidence plus text match strength.
Committee recommendation
87match
#22 - Reactive pothole repairs prove inefficient and less cost-effective than proactive road maintenance.
However, potholes are just a symptom of poor road conditions and, as we heard, they are not necessarily being fixed properly or efficiently so money is just being wasted.41 For example, the AA told us that in its view too much is being spent on short-term reactive maintenance, including only temporarily repairing potholes, relative to more proactive, permanent...
Matched on
terms: maintenance, pothole
Committee recommendation
82match
#32 - Department provides outdated guidance for local authorities on road network maintenance.
The Department is responsible for providing guidance to local authorities in England to help them run and maintain their road networks, but has not updated its guidance for several years.70 Such guidance has included good practice proactive maintenance to reduce the number of potholes, a Code of Practice on managing highway infrastructure, and road repair guides. For example,...
Matched on
terms: maintenance, pothole
Committee recommendation
82match
#3 - Simplify local authority road funding, provide long-term certainty, and clarify maintenance monitoring.
The Department’s approach to funding is short-term and fragmented, hindering local authorities from planning more cost-effective work. In the last decade funding for local roads has become more complex, with the Department providing funding to local authorities via 12 different funding pots, each with differing eligibility criteria. It has largely provided funding to local authorities on an annual...
Matched on
terms: maintenance, pothole
PFD report
81match
Joanne Constable
The coroner identified an apparent lack of systems for recording and tracking highway hazard reports, meaning there was no information on whether inspections occurred or if recommended work was completed. This absence of clear data on maintenance status creates risks across the county.
Matched on
terms: maintenance, recording
Committee recommendation
78match
#21 - Significant Department capital funding consistently allocated specifically towards pothole repairs.
Since 2020–21, the Department has provided local authorities with funding from the Potholes fund which, by the end of 2024–25, is expected to total £2.2 billion.38 Along with a further one off top up in 2023–24, specific pothole funding from the Department represented 40% of its capital funding to local authorities in that year.39 In the Autumn Budget...
Matched on
terms: maintenance, pothole
NAO recommendation
70match
The condition and maintenance of local roads in England
To improve its support for local authorities and guidance on how to deliver effective and efficient highways maintenance, DfT should identify and fill gaps in guidance it provides to local authorities. This should include developing its understanding of where local authorities have expressed a need for greater direction and where new guidance is needed.
Matched on
terms: maintenance
PFD report
69match
Roger Hamer
The coroner noted insufficient recording and monitoring of carriageway deterioration by highway inspectors. Additionally, concerns were raised that a new highway management procedure, by redefining the 40mm defect threshold to an 'investigation level', could increase risks, especially for cyclists.
Matched on
terms: recording
PFD report
69match
Charles Stringer
The coroner noted Surrey County Council’s lack of reflection and documented changes to pothole management following Mr Stringer’s death. Concerns include insufficient action on informing inspectors of complaints, robust risk assessments, timely communication between departments, and prompt repairs.
Matched on
terms: pothole
Committee recommendation
66match
#23 - Short-term funding allocations may drive reactive maintenance despite single funding source perception.
The Department acknowledged that the succession of short-term funding allocations may have driven local authorities to be more reactive.44 However, the Department believes that local authorities treat the funding from the Department as a single source and are not concerned about the specific funding pot the money came from.45 The Department also told us that it is in...
Matched on
terms: maintenance
Committee recommendation
62match
#11 - Road maintenance backlog cost estimated to have significantly increased to over £15.6 billion.
The Department also expects the cost of dealing with the backlog in road maintenance to have increased since its last estimate in 2019 of between £7.6 billion and £11.7 billion. The Department told us that all the evidence suggested that the backlog would have become worse, given the severe weather conditions and very wet winters in the years...
Matched on
terms: maintenance
Committee recommendation
62match
#18 - FCDO's maintenance backlog was severely underestimated, necessitating external professionals for accurate assessment.
In November 2023, FCDO recognised that its £150 million estimate of its overseas estate maintenance backlog was likely to be an underestimate and commissioned professional surveyors to conduct a one-off exercise to identify the true backlog.47 FCDO ran a programme between April and October 2024 to collect data at 100 posts, which allowed FCDO to calculate that its...
Matched on
terms: maintenance
PFD report
61match
Cameron Chadwick
The coroner identified a pothole in the carriageway, measured at 45mm deep, which exceeded Wigan Council's stated repair threshold of 40mm.
Matched on
terms: pothole
PFD report
61match
Katherine Vanloo
Concerns were raised regarding a seven-month delay in repairing a category 2 pothole and the repair of the wrong pothole. The local authority lacked systems to track contractor work orders and conduct formal audits of completed repairs.
Matched on
terms: pothole
PFD report
61match
Benjamin Teague
The coroner noted the A5 road between Pottersbury and Paulesbury was in a very poor state with potholes, which deteriorated shortly after a repair following a road traffic collision.
Matched on
terms: pothole
Committee recommendation
61match
#33 - Current highway infrastructure Code of Practice contains significant gaps, requiring urgent updates.
The Department told us that Ministers are considering a review of the Code of Practice as it considers there to be value in doing so, even though it will be major task to update the more than 260-page document. The Department acknowledged that there are gaps in the current Code of Practice that would need to be addressed,...
Matched on
terms: pothole
LGO / SPSO decision
61match
25-002-139 - Surrey County Council
Summary: We will not investigate Mrs B’s complaint that her car was damaged due to the Council’s failure to repair a dangerous pothole. This is because it is reasonable for Mrs B to take the Council to court.
Matched on
terms: pothole
LGO / SPSO decision
61match
201302706 - Glasgow City Council
Mr C complained that the council had unreasonably failed to maintain and repair a section of road near his home in line with their obligations. He also said that when he reported pot holes to the council, they failed to carry out repairs within the required timescales. The council said that they met their responsibilities in terms of...
Matched on
terms: maintenance
LGO / SPSO decision
60match
22-000-272 - Devon County Council
Summary: We will not exercise discretion to investigate this complaint about damage caused to Mrs X’s car arising from the Council’s failure to repair a pothole on the public highway. This is because it is reasonable to expect Mrs X to go to court to determine any liability owed by the Council.
Matched on
terms: pothole
PFD report
57match
Jan Bodnar
The coroner identified that overgrown plant growth on a central reservation dangerously restricted a driver's view at a junction, noting that regular maintenance is needed and similar risks may be present at other junctions on the road.
Matched on
terms: maintenance
PFD report
57match
Lee Nauman
The coroner raises concerns about road conditions, including a broken and crumbling road edge with a pothole and leaf/soil debris, recommending a review and consideration of remedial action at the location.
Matched on
terms: pothole
PFD report
57match
Freda Mason
The local authority's reactive system for bus shelter maintenance relies on third-party complaints and lacks a proactive inspection process. The coroner suggests implementing a more proactive system, such as regular inspections, could prevent future deaths.
Matched on
terms: maintenance
PFD report
57match
Richard Phillips
The coroner identified poor surface water drainage on a specific road stretch, noting that water bypassed gullies due to road camber and obscured drains. Concerns were also raised regarding the general maintenance of the road and its verges.
Matched on
terms: maintenance
PFD report
57match
Jennifer Dyer
The coroner noted that the categorisation of potholes in East Sussex, particularly the definition for Cat 3 - LOW risk, requires significant review to prevent future avoidable deaths.
Matched on
terms: pothole
Committee recommendation
57match
#16 - Many local authorities already collect more data, demonstrating willingness to report further.
The Department told us that it has to strike the balance between asking for more information and the increased burden of work for each local authority to provide that information, and that there are limits placed by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. It acknowledged, however, that many local authorities already collect more data than required...
Matched on
terms: maintenance
Committee recommendation
57match
#14 - PAS 2161 data standard implementation will be voluntary until 2026-27 for local authorities.
The Department confirmed that it had recently released the standard in September 2024 so that local authorities can use it from 2025–26 on a voluntary basis. The Department told us that it will not make its usage mandatory until the following year, 2026–27. This additional time is to allow 18 C&AG’s Report, para 8 and Figure 6 19...
Matched on
terms: recording
Committee recommendation
57match
#10 - Independent analysis and public perception confirm deterioration in local road conditions.
However, the Department also acknowledged that there has been a deterioration in the condition of local roads over recent years, based on independent reports and people’s perceptions in using the roads.15 The Asphalt Industry Alliance (AIA) estimated that in 2023–24, less than half of roads (48%) were in a ‘good’ structural condition, the lowest proportion since this measurement...
Matched on
terms: pothole
Committee recommendation
57match
#6 - Update and regularly revise local road guidance to reflect best practices and new challenges.
The Department has not provided enough support and guidance to local authorities to deal with current and future challenges in maintaining local roads. The Department is responsible for providing local authorities with guidance on the management and maintenance of local roads. However, it has not updated its guidance for several years, including on best practice, that could have...
Matched on
terms: maintenance
LGO / SPSO decision
57match
21-018-404 - Hampshire County Council
Summary: We will not investigate Mr C’s complaint that his car was damaged by a pothole which the Council failed to repair. This is because it is reasonable for Mr C to pursue his compensation claim at court.
Matched on
terms: pothole
LGO / SPSO decision
57match
22-000-805 - Nottinghamshire County Council
Summary: We will not investigate Mr B’s complaint that his car was damaged by a pothole which the Council failed to repair. This is because it is reasonable for Mr B to pursue his compensation claim by taking the Council to court.
Matched on
terms: pothole
LGO / SPSO decision
57match
25-004-753 - North Northamptonshire Council
Summary: We will not investigate Mr B’s complaint that his vehicle was damaged by a pothole which the Council had failed to repair. This is because it is reasonable for Mr B to pursue his compensation claim by taking the Council to court.
Matched on
terms: pothole
LGO / SPSO decision
57match
201104093 - The Moray Council
Mr C was concerned that the council decided not to fund repairs to his local private road (also known as an unadopted road). He complained that the predecessor council had, in 1988, entered into an agreement with residents to carry out surface repairs to these roads. He was of the view that the current council should honour this...
Matched on
terms: maintenance
LGO / SPSO decision
56match
21-014-982 - London Borough of Enfield
Summary: We will not investigate Mr B’s complaint that his car was damaged due to the Council’s failure to repair a pothole. This is because it is reasonable for Mr B to pursue his compensation claim at court, which is in the best position to decide the matter.
Matched on
terms: pothole
LGO / SPSO decision
56match
21-017-217 - Gloucestershire County Council
Summary: We will not investigate Mrs B’s complaint that her car was damaged due to the Council’s failure to repair a pothole. This is because it is reasonable for Mrs B to pursue her compensation claim by taking the Council to court.
Matched on
terms: pothole
LGO / SPSO decision
56match
22-003-311 - Kent County Council
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about highway repair and maintenance. This is because there is not enough evidence of fault or significant enough injustice to justify our investigation.
Matched on
terms: maintenance
LGO / SPSO decision
56match
23-019-382 - Suffolk County Council
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about highway repair and maintenance because the courts are better placed to consider the complaint.
Matched on
terms: maintenance
PFD report
53match
William McCourt
The coroner raised concerns regarding the absence of records for resident flood reports, an unverified assumption about land ownership, and a subsequent three-month period of inaction to address the flooding issue. There was no formal written communication to establish responsibility, leading to delays in resolving the hazard.
Matched on
classifier match
PFD report
53match
Charles Pitcher
The coroner noted that the Tamar Bridge barrier is easily traversed, leading to 11 recorded jumps in the past decade, and asked for a review of procedures to reduce future deaths. Concerns were also raised about the risk this poses to those on Wolseley Road and the absence of sufficient preventative measures compared to other significant bridges.
Matched on
classifier match
PFD report
53match
Nana Boateng
The coroner noted that road markings and cat's eyes on a sharp left-hand bend were significantly worn away or non-existent. This condition could impact driver positional awareness and information regarding no-overtaking restrictions, raising a concern about highway safety.
Matched on
classifier match
PFD report
53match
Natalie Mountford
Concerns were raised regarding a road section identified as an accident black spot, Dorset Council's lack of investigation into sources of water flowing onto roads, and Wessex Water's apparent absence of a robust system for logging and acting on direct reports of highway leaks.
Matched on
classifier match
PFD report
53match
John Bass
The coroner noted a lack of clear guidance for highway inspectors regarding vegetation encroaching on pavements and raised concerns about the frequency of pavement inspections, especially on busy roads used by cyclists.
Matched on
classifier match
PFD report
53match
David Walsh
The coroner noted that road traffic collision data, reviewed annually, is not immediately reported to the Highways Department, potentially delaying timely safety improvements to highway conditions.
Matched on
classifier match
PFD report
53match
John Hickmott
Several streetlights near the collision site were reported faulty but not repaired within council timescales, significantly reducing pedestrian visibility. There may also be a more fundamental technical problem causing repeated streetlight failures.
Matched on
classifier match
Committee recommendation
53match
#12 - Department's local road condition data is inadequate and lacks sufficient robustness.
We asked the Department why its data presented a different picture of local road conditions compared to the worsening conditions that independent analysis and user experience were showing. The Department acknowledged that its data is not good enough. For example, on unclassified roads or C roads, which account for 62% by mileage of all local roads, it collects...
Matched on
terms: maintenance
Committee recommendation
53match
#2 - Require the Department to obtain comprehensive data for understanding local road network condition.
The Department has insufficient knowledge of the condition of local roads. Industry estimates show that the condition of local roads across England is getting worse, which is also reflected in falling public satisfaction and higher levels of pothole related incidents. However, while the Department’s own data shows the condition of local roads has remained relatively stable, it accepts...
Matched on
terms: pothole
LGO / SPSO decision
53match
23-020-977 - Salford City Council
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about pothole damage as this is ultimately a matter for the courts and the complaint is also made late.
Matched on
terms: pothole
LGO / SPSO decision
53match
24-023-063 - London Borough of Enfield
Summary: We will not investigate Ms B’s complaint that her car was damaged by a pothole. This is because it is reasonable for Ms B to pursue her compensation claim at court.
Matched on
terms: pothole
LGO / SPSO decision
52match
25-014-023 - London Borough of Barnet
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about highway maintenance charges because the court is better placed to consider the complaint, and it is reasonable to expect Mrs Y to use her right to go to court about the matter.
Matched on
terms: maintenance
LGO / SPSO decision
52match
21-014-401 - Leicestershire County Council
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about highway maintenance because there is not enough evidence of fault to justify investigating and there is another body better placed to consider the complaint.
Matched on
terms: maintenance
LGO / SPSO decision
52match
22-005-649 - Lincolnshire County Council
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about highway maintenance. This is because it is unlikely we would find fault and it is reasonable to expect Mr Y to use the remedies available to him at court.
Matched on
terms: maintenance
LGO / SPSO decision
52match
24-000-209 - West Sussex County Council
Summary: We will not investigate Mrs B’s complaint that her car was damaged after hitting a pothole which the Council had failed to repair. This is because it is reasonable for Mrs B to pursue her compensation claim by taking the Council to court.
Matched on
terms: pothole