Full Breakdown
Pothole Repair Backlog Reaches Record £18.6 Billion in England and Wales
3/18/2026, 7:57:30 AM
Current State of Local Roads
The backlog for repairing potholes in England and Wales has surged to a record £18.6 billion, according to the latest report from the Asphalt Industry Alliance (AIA). This figure represents a significant increase of £1.8 billion since 2025, despite local councils filling approximately 1.9 million potholes in the past year. The report indicates that only 51% of the local road network is in good condition, with nearly one in six local roads—over 32,500 miles—having less than five years of structural life remaining. The AIA's annual survey, which received responses from 79% of local authorities, highlights a concerning trend where new potholes are appearing faster than they can be repaired.
Funding and Government Response
In response to the escalating crisis, the UK government has announced a funding increase, pledging £7.3 billion for local road maintenance over the next four years, which equates to about £1.8 billion annually. A Department for Transport spokesperson stated that this funding aims to address the "pothole plague" and noted a 15% increase in pothole-prevention works in 2025 compared to the previous year. However, critics, including AIA chairman David Giles, caution that this funding is not a "silver bullet" and that it will take time for the effects to be felt by the public.
Criticism and Opposition
The AIA and various transport experts have expressed frustration over the government's approach to road maintenance. Giles described the current state of local roads as a "national disgrace," emphasizing that the impact of adverse weather and years of underfunding have led to a fragile network. Edmund King, president of the AA, echoed this sentiment, stating that the report starkly warns of the urgent need for more comprehensive action to eradicate potholes. Simon Williams, head of policy at the RAC, noted that the situation has worsened, with hundreds of breakdown reports related to potholes being received daily.
Long-Term Implications
The AIA warns that the current strategy of reactive maintenance—addressing potholes only after they become hazardous—is insufficient. Nicholas Lyes, director of policy at IAM RoadSmart, highlighted the need for a long-term approach that prioritizes proper surface maintenance over temporary fixes. The report indicates that without significant changes, the backlog will continue to grow, posing safety risks for drivers and cyclists alike.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I think all road users would agree that the condition of our local roads has become a national disgrace.” — David Giles, Chairman, Asphalt Industry Alliance
- “The impact of frequent adverse weather events on a consistently underfunded – and increasingly fragile – network [is] coming home to roost.” — David Giles, Chairman, Asphalt Industry Alliance
- “We have been seeing with our own eyes, and feeling with our wheels, how record wet weather linked to substandard roads has led to many local roads becoming patchwork obstacle courses.” — Edmund King, President, AA
- “The safety charity IAM RoadSmart’s director of policy, Nicholas Lyes, said: “About one in six local roads are effectively on life support with less than five years of structural integrity remaining.” — Nicholas Lyes, Director of Policy, IAM RoadSmart
Conclusion
The escalating pothole repair backlog in England and Wales underscores a critical infrastructure crisis that demands immediate and sustained attention. While government funding increases are a step in the right direction, experts warn that without a strategic overhaul of maintenance practices, the situation is unlikely to improve in the near future.
