Drivers in England now have access to a new online mapping tool and traffic light rating system designed to monitor how effectively local authorities are addressing pothole repairs. The Department for Transport (DfT) initiative assesses councils based on road conditions and the efficiency of their spending of government funding allocated for road maintenance.

Thirteen local authorities received a "red" rating, indicating areas where road conditions are poor and/or government funding is not being used effectively. These include Cumberland, Bolton, Kensington and Chelsea, Bedford, West Northamptonshire, North Lincolnshire, and Derbyshire. In contrast, Essex, Wiltshire, Coventry, Leeds, and Darlington were among the councils awarded a "green" rating, signifying better performance in road maintenance.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander emphasized the need for greater accountability in road repairs. "People are fed up of driving to work and hitting the same pothole day after day," she told the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, adding that drivers are incurring significant costs for vehicle repairs due to poor road conditions. Alexander stated that the government is providing increased funding to councils for road maintenance and that the mapping tool provides a necessary mechanism for public oversight of how that money is being spent.

The DfT's mapping tool represents a move towards greater transparency and data-driven decision-making in infrastructure management. By providing a clear, accessible rating system, the government aims to incentivize local authorities to prioritize road maintenance and improve the quality of road surfaces. The initiative also empowers citizens to hold their local councils accountable for the condition of roads in their area. The tool is expected to be updated regularly, reflecting ongoing progress in road repairs and the effectiveness of government funding.