Portsmouth has been officially recognised as the UK’s top-performing area for road quality, with the fewest potholes per 100km of road, according to new research by Blackcircles.
The study, which combined Freedom of Information requests to local authorities with a survey of 2,000 UK drivers, revealed that Portsmouth reported just 121 potholes in 2024—equivalent to 26 potholes per 100km of road. This marks an 84% decrease compared to 2020 figures, highlighting the city’s significant progress in road maintenance.
Cllr Peter Candlish, Cabinet Member for Transport, said:
“We’re proud to see Portsmouth recognised for having some of the smoothest roads in the UK. This reflects our ongoing commitment to keeping our roads safe, reliable, and well-maintained for everyone who lives in or visits our city.
“Working closely with Colas, we take a proactive approach to road maintenance, including regular inspections and prioritising repairs based on safety and long-term structural needs.
“We encourage residents to report any potholes they spot—either by calling our customer service team or using the online form at Portsmouth City Council Reporting Portal or through the My Portsmouth app.
“A big thank you to everyone who already does this. Your support plays a vital role in keeping Portsmouth a smooth and safe place to travel.”
The research findings can be viewed here.