Potholes: Thirteen councils graded worst in national review

A new traffic-light grading names 13 councils as 'red' for road condition and use of maintenance funding; the government has announced £7.3 billion for highways.

Local highway authorities have been named in a new traffic‑light grading of road condition and how councils use maintenance funding. The grading aims to show which councils are meeting expectations for fixing potholes and maintaining highways. Thirteen local authorities received a 'red' grade in the review. The announcement follows a government allocation of £7.3 billion for highways and road maintenance. Key facts: - Thirteen councils were listed as 'red': Bedford, Bolton, Cumberland, Derbyshire, Greenwich, Kensington and Chelsea, Leicestershire, North Lincolnshire, Slough, Suffolk, Waltham Forest, Westmorland and Furness, and West Northamptonshire. - The review uses a traffic‑light system to assess road condition and how maintenance funding is spent. - The government has announced £7.3 billion intended for highways and related work. - Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander was reported as saying drivers had been paying the price for deteriorating roads, and representatives from the AA and the RAC were reported as calling for increased investment and better repairs. Summary: The grading places the named councils under public scrutiny and follows the government's funding announcement for highways. Undetermined at this time.