DfT ‘does not have a good enough understanding of the condition of local roads’

A new report has concluded that the DfT does not have a good enough understanding of the condition of local roads, and does not use the limited data it does have to allocate its funding as effectively as possible.

The report, published by the National Audit Office, examined whether the DfT is ensuring value for money through its funding provision for local road maintenance, and whether it is effectively fulfilling its role in supporting local authorities to deliver local road maintenance. 

The report says that the DfT has provided between £1.1 and £1.6 billion of capital funding each year to local authorities and has set out plans for additional funding through to 2034. 

It notes that given the fiscal constraints, it is essential that DfT secures maximum value from the funding it has available.

However, the report finds at present the DfT does not have a good enough understanding of the condition of local roads, and does not use the limited data it does have to allocate its funding as effectively as possible. 

It adds that the DfT does not know whether the funds it allocates are delivering improvements in road condition, and has not updated its guidance to local authorities, to share good practice and help them make the most of their limited funds, for some years.

The report concludes that managing the local road network is becoming increasingly complex – for example, as climate change and autonomous vehicles demand more from it – and the additional funding that DfT has secured provides an opportunity to equip local authorities to better meet these challenges.

It notes that if DfT is able to address the issues in its current approach it will be much better placed to improve the value for money of funding in this area and secure an improved and more resilient local roads network.

Report findings “absolutely staggering”
The RAC has reacted to the report, describing it as “more damning evidence that England’s local roads are in a truly dire state of repair”.

Simon Williams, RAC head of policy, said: “It’s bad enough that historically the Government doesn’t really know just how bad our roads are. 

“But it’s absolutely staggering that it doesn’t know whether the money it gives to councils has been used effectively. This has to change and we very much hope the new Government acts fast to fix it.

“While dangerous potholes clearly need to be fixed, we also feel more could be done with the funds councils are already given. We believe it’s imperative they carry out more preventative maintenance to stop potholes forming in the first place, rather than simply patching over the problem.”

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