A new study has revealed the UK areas with the worst road surfaces, with West Northamptonshire taking the top spot.
The analysis, conducted by field management software Re-flow Field Management, examined road condition data from the Department for Transport, looking at the percentage of roads given ‘red’ status, indicating surfaces in poor condition that may require immediate maintenance.
West Northamptonshire has the worst roads in the UK, with a final score of 47.13. Covering towns like Northampton, Daventry, and Towcester, just 24.5% of its A roads and motorways are rated green, while a striking 71% fall into the amber category, indicating significant wear and the need for repairs. Even more concerning, 5% of these major routes are rated red, showing serious damage. The situation is similar on B and C roads, where only 9.5% are in good condition, 72.5% sit at amber, and 17.5% classified as red. West Northamptonshire has the worst B and C roads in the country.
West Northamptonshire Council has committed to a substantial £100 million capital investment for the 2025/26 period, rising to £155 million over the next four years. Approximately £14.6 million of this budget is allocated specifically for road maintenance.
Perhaps surprisingly, Westminster appears in the top 10 worst areas despite being one of the wealthiest London boroughs. While 64% of its A roads are in good condition, only 12% of its B and C roads achieve green status, with 16.5% in red.
On the other end of the spectrum, Sunderland has the best roads, with a final score of 7.30. 87.6% of its A roads and motorways are rated green, and just 1% are red. B and C roads also show strong performance, with 85.4% rated green and, once again, only 1% falling into poor condition. Middlesbrough has the second-best roads, while Leeds lands third.
Ashley Wing, CMO of Re-flow Field Management, commented on the findings,
“These results show a concerning picture of the UK’s road infrastructure, with significant regional disparities in road quality. What’s particularly worrying is seeing areas like Westminster in the top 10, showing that even wealthy boroughs aren’t immune to road maintenance issues.
“What jumped out was that West Northamptonshire has less than 10% of its B and C roads in good condition. For residents driving on those routes every day, that is a shocking statistic.
“These findings come at a crucial time when local authorities are making difficult budget decisions. Our 2024 Construction Report highlights how digital systems can help road maintenance teams work more efficiently, prioritising repairs and managing resources better through improved visibility between site and office operations.”
(Pictures: Magnific; Re-flow)
