Local highways maintenance transparency report

A Roads

B and C roads

U roads

Councils use road condition surveys to assess the state of their roads. The results are grouped into three categories:

• Green – the road is in good condition and no further investigation or treatment is required.
• Amber – the road may need maintenance soon.
• Red – the road is in poor condition and should be considered for maintenance.

Further information on road condition statistics is available on GOV.UK:
Road conditions in England to March 2025.

Road condition data tables (including local authority comparisons):
Road condition statistics: data tables (RDC).

Additional information on carriageway condition

The carriageway condition figures are derived using the Network Condition Index (NCI) methodology set out within the Portsmouth Highways PFI (HPFI) Contract. The NCI provides a network-level measure of carriageway condition across the Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Road Networks (C Roads) and is calculated from a combination of visual and machine-based surveys, including Coarse Visual Inspection (CVI), Deflectograph and SCRIM data, depending on road hierarchy. 

The condition data is processed through the contractual pavement model to generate individual Road Section Length (RSL) scores and overall network NCI values. Factors influencing the results include pavement deterioration, structural condition, surface condition, skid resistance, patching levels and the completion of maintenance or renewal works. 

Data collection and calculations are independently audited and accredited to ensure compliance with the HPFI contract requirements. The reported condition figures therefore represent a consistent, contractually validated assessment of carriageway condition across the highway network.

Carriageway condition on the Primary (A roads) and Secondary (B roads) Road Networks has remained stable or improved over the last three years, reflecting the benefits of sustained investment through the Highways PFI lifecycle programme. 

The increase in the proportion of Unclassified Roads reported in the red condition category reflects deterioration on sections of the tertiary network where investment has been prioritised towards higher-risk locations and principal routes. 

The Council has developed targeted maintenance programmes to address these locations and improve long-term network condition.

To help monitor road condition and identify future maintenance needs, a range of carriageway condition surveys are undertaken across the highway network. The frequency of these surveys varies according to the type of road, as shown below.

Annual Surveys