Background to the report
The local road network in England is essential to everyday travel
and the movement of goods. Almost all journeys start and end on
the local road network, which consists of 183,000 miles of road
and represents 98% of the total road network.
As well as the road surface, the local road network includes
pavements, embankments, bridges and drainage systems that need to
be kept in good condition.
Scope of the report
This report examines whether the Department for Transport (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. We have assessed whether:
- DfT understands the condition of local roads in England
- DfT is using its data and information to inform its funding
decisions
- DfT is supporting local authorities effectively through
providing guidance on asset maintenance
Conclusions
Local roads are a vital part of local transport infrastructure,
used every day by millions of people. Despite their importance,
the condition of local roads is declining and the backlog to
return them to a good state of repair is increasing.
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. Given the fiscal constraints,
it is essential that DfT secures maximum value from the funding
it has available.
However, at present 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 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.
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.
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.
