October 22, 2026
The National Motorcyclists Council has today welcomed the DfT’s announcement of additional for pothole repairs. The DfT has also said that Nearly 7,000 miles of road resurfacing will be completed this year according to new figures published today. Data from local councils shows over 10% more resurfacing than took place last year as data also shows that councils are starting to increase roads funding, with £4.9 billion being spent this year.
The additional £220 million is intended to be incentive-based funding to councils across England for meeting performance-based targets. Further funding will be released later in the year only if councils reach their performance targets, and can be withheld if they fail to reach them.
The NMC, is a founder member of the Pothole Partnership which since 2024 has spearheaded cross-transport sector efforts with the Government to tackle the appalling state of the roads. This announcement follows a recent Partnership meeting with DfT Ministers and is a welcome step on the path to better roads. The announcement ties funding to performance, which is a key part of the Partnership’s ‘Pothole Pledge’.
NMC Executive Director Craig Carey-Clinch said: “The focus is now moving onto delivery standards. Central Government money must not be wasted by local authorities through poor quality repairs which won’t last long and the Pothole Partnership continues to push the case for properly warrantied pothole repairs, so that we don’t find ourselves back in the same place within a few years.
“This is essential given that despite increased levels of repairs, the pothole problem is still growing, with the AA reporting an increase in related incidents this year.
“The NMC also urges local authorities to look at other potential additional sources of funding for roads maintenance, so that long term maintenance programmes can be secured across the country. We welcome the publication of a report by the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Better Roads which calls for central government to make it easier and more transparent for local authorities to invest funds from the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) to improving local roads.”
IAM RoadSmart, a Pothole Partnership member, also welcomes the announcement. Director of Policy and External Communications Nicholas Lyes said: “It’s encouraging that we’re seeing a shift towards preventative rather than just reactive road maintenance. Every mile of resurfaced road means that drivers and motorcyclists can focus more on the route ahead, rather than spending time looking at potential surface hazards.”
Edmund King, AA President and member of the Pothole Partnership, said; "The journey to get our roads back to a smooth and safe condition is a long one, but there are some early signs of positivity.
“However, this boost in cash comes at a crucial moment as the nation is about to enter peak pothole season.
"While councils have made good progress so far, sadly we have seen a 4.6% increase in pothole related incidents between January and September this year compared to the same period last year.
"The challenge for councils will be to use this money wisely, and as advocated by the Pothole Partnership, focus on long-term resurfacing solutions and act quickly to protect drivers, motorcyclists and cyclists as we head into winter."
Stuart Lovatt, Chairman of TyreSafe and a Partnership member added: "We also welcome this announcement. Potholes and other poor road conditions have a serious effect on the integrity of tyres on all vehicles, which in turn can affect vehicle stability - a very clear safety concern. This is why we support the call for repairs to be long term and warrantied."
ENDS
1. For further information, please contact Craig Carey-Clinch on 07979 757484 | craig@uknmc.org
2. The IAM RoadSmart reaction can be found here: https://media.iamroadsmart.com/news/reaction-iam-roadsmart-responds-to-government-announcement-on-roads-resurfacing-514157
3. The Pothole Partnership’s five-year warranty call can be found here: https://www.theaa.com/about-us/newsroom/pothole-partnership-calls-for-five-year-warranties-on-repairs
The NMC also publishes comment and shares relevant partner news and announcements on social media. You can follow the NMC on X: @OfficialUKNMC | Facebook: OfficialUKNC | LinkedIn national-motorcyclists-council
(Pic: NMC. It is not AI generated)
