Local highways maintenance transparency report
Condition of local roads
Road condition data for all local authority classified roads, is currently collected using Surface Condition Assessment for the National Network of Roads (SCANNER) machine surveys, employing laser-based technology.
A number of parameters measured in these surveys are used to produce a road condition indicator which is categorised into three condition categories:
- green – no further investigation or treatment required
- amber – maintenance may be required soon
- red – should be considered for maintenance
| Year | Red | Amber | Green |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020/21 | 5.3 | 28.4 | 66.3 |
| 2021/22 | 6.2 | 29.2 | 64.6 |
| 2022/23 | 5.1 | 27.1 | 67.8 |
| 2023/24 | 4.1 | 26.6 | 69.3 |
| 2024/25 | 3.8 | 28.1 | 68.2 |
Data on the condition of our A roads is collected on an annual basis in one direction (for example, over a 2-year period we obtain condition data on the full coverage of the network in both directions).
| Year | Red | Amber | Green |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020/21 | 3.9 | 24.7 | 71.4 |
| 2021/22 | 5.3 | 27.5 | 67.2 |
| 2022/23 | 6.3 | 28.2 | 65.5 |
| 2023/24 | 5.8 | 28.8 | 65.4 |
| 2024/25 | 5.2 | 27.9 | 66.9 |
Data on the condition of our B and C roads is also collected on an annual basis in one direction (for example, over a 2-year period we obtain condition data on the full coverage of the network in both directions).
| Year | Percentage of U roads in the Red category |
|---|---|
| 2020/21 | 24% |
| 2021/22 | No data collected* |
| 2022/23 | 23% |
| 2023/24 | No data collected* |
| 2024/25 | 6.5%** |
*The unclassified network has historically been surveyed once every 2 years.
**In 2024/25 we changed to an AEI survey for our unclassified network – this required a change in how condition is reported. 6.5% is the amount of structural maintenance required. This broadly aligns with the Band 5 in the emerging PAS 2161 methodology.
Up until 2024, road condition data for unclassified roads in England was collected every other year using Coarse Visual Inspections (CVI). These surveys were undertaken by accredited inspectors to categorise coarse condition, to identify a single condition band for unclassified roads.
From 2026/27 a new condition inspection methodology will be used based on the BSI PAS2161 standard. Local Highway Authorities will be required to use a supplier that has been accredited against PAS2161. This new standard will categorise roads into 5 categories instead of 3, to help the government gain a more detailed understanding of road condition in England.
We have consistently monitored the condition of our road network over many years. The five-year data table presented above indicates a general improvement in the condition of A roads, while progress on B, C, and unclassified roads has slowed. This is partly attributable to external pressures, including global inflation and the sustained impact of heavy construction traffic linked to HS2 and East West Rail (EWR) projects.
However, when viewed over a longer timeframe, the overall condition of the network has improved across all road categories. Notably, the proportion of roads in the poorest condition (the 'red' category) has reduced by approximately one-third compared to 12 years ago. This long-term improvement reflects our sustained investment in highway infrastructure.
Benchmarking against neighbouring and comparable authorities shows that Buckinghamshire faces similar challenges and maintains a road network in broadly comparable condition. This reinforces the view that while recent pressures have constrained short-term progress, our strategic investment approach has delivered measurable long-term benefits.