Councils in England are on course to resurface almost 7,000 miles of road this year, according to figures published by the government. The Department for Transport says the total is more than 10% higher than last year and equivalent to the distance between London and Singapore.

Key points

  • Record spending — councils have spent £4.9 billion on roads this year, £800 million more than two years ago.
  • Extra funding — a further £220 million has been released to councils in England for meeting performance targets.
  • Preventative work — 94% of councils will carry out preventative roadworks this year, up from 76% last year.

The government's £7.3 billion road maintenance budget is said to be delivering smoother journeys, with the average driver saving up to nearly £600 on repairs. More money will be released later in the year only if councils hit their targets, and can be withheld if they fall short.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said potholes had been "a source of national embarrassment" for too long, forcing people to pay for repairs and posing a danger to road users. She said the figures showed the country was "starting to turn a corner".

Dan Joyce, Operations Director at Kwik Fit, said tyres, wheels and suspension were the parts most often damaged by potholes. He welcomed the extra investment, particularly the focus on proactive maintenance.

Separate figures released last week showed local road conditions improved in the year ending March 2026, with fewer minor roads needing maintenance.

Editor's comment

What it means in practice

The money going to councils is tied to performance, so the practical effect for drivers depends on whether local authorities hit their targets. Where work is done, roads should be smoother and repair bills lower – but the funding can be withheld if councils miss the mark, so it is worth keeping an eye on your council's road maintenance plans.

  • Check your council — see what resurfacing and preventative work is scheduled in your area.
  • Report potholes — councils use reports from the public to prioritise repairs.
  • Keep records — if your vehicle is damaged by a pothole, note the location and date in case you claim against the council.