Gloucestershire has been recognised as one of the top 16 counties in England for road maintenance, according to a new performance map released by the Department for Transport (DfT). While this accolade highlights significant progress, county council leaders stress that there is still work to be done to address lingering road issues.
The DfT’s national highways performance map evaluates every local highway authority based on three key criteria: road condition, investment in maintenance, and the effective application of best practices for pothole prevention and repair. Each authority receives a rating of red, amber, or green—with Gloucestershire proudly ranked among the 16 authorities awarded a green rating. In comparison, 125 received amber and 13 red.
Gloucestershire County Council credits this achievement to targeted, sustained investment in resurfacing projects, the adoption of advanced repair technologies, and a strategic focus on quicker, more permanent pothole repairs across the county’s road network. However, council officials remain mindful that many residents experience frustration due to persistent road defects, exacerbated by years of underfunding and severe weather impacts.
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Over the past year, the council has intensified its maintenance efforts by prioritising roads most in need of repair and increasing both the speed and scope of permanent fixes. Improved materials, enhanced inspections, and more responsive repair teams now form the backbone of the council’s approach, aiming to deliver longer-lasting improvements rather than repetitive patchwork repairs.
Looking ahead, Gloucestershire County Council is proposing a £15 million increase in its highways budget over the next three years to further bolster road maintenance work.
Joe Harris, the council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, commented, “This national recognition reflects the hard work our teams have put into improving Gloucestershire’s roads. But we know that residents care less about rankings and more about the quality of the roads they travel every day. Many roads still fall short of our standards, and addressing that remains our priority. This milestone motivates us to continue on the path toward safer, smoother roads for everyone.”
Councillor Stephen Davies highlighted the foundation laid by previous administrations, acknowledging progress while emphasising room for improvement. “We’re doing better than most, but this doesn’t mean our roads are perfect. Our high investment levels have made a real difference, and we remain committed to building on that success,” he remarked.
The council pledges continued transparency by regularly publishing road condition data, updating residents on ongoing and upcoming works, and expanding resurfacing programmes. Residents are encouraged to report potholes and track repair progress via Fix My Street and keep informed about scheduled works in their areas.