Nearly 7,000 miles of road resurfacing – the equivalent of travelling between London and Singapore – will be completed this year, according to the UK government.
Figures released last week by local councils show that over 10% more resurfacing took place this year compared to 2025 - with councils investing £800 million more into their roads with a total of £4.9 billion being spent this year.
The data shows that the government’s £7.3 billion in funding for road maintenance is helping the average driver save nearly £600 pounds on repairs thanks to the filling in of potholes across local communities.
Following the publication of last week’s data, the government have announced a £220 million incentive-based funding for councils across England if they meet performance-based targets. Further funding may be released later in the year, but it can be withheld if targets are not met, as part of the government’s efforts to hold councils to account.
Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, said that potholes have caused too many hard-working people to pay for repairs, but the government’s record funding, combined with new rules for councils, will help to create smoother journeys for drivers across the country.
Reports show that 94% of councils will complete preventative roadworks this year, compared to 76% last year, stamping out potholes before they have the chance to form in the first place. Meanwhile, additional figures released this month have revealed that local road conditions improved in the year ending March 2026, with less minor roads needing maintenance as a result of works last year.