Portsmouth revealed as least affected area for potholes and road damage
Anyone who’s had to swerve around potholes or brace themselves for a rough journey might not be surprised by the findings of a new study from Councilclaims.co.uk, which has revealed the UK cities and local authorities dealing with the biggest road maintenance problems.
The research looked at pothole repair intensity per 100 kilometres of road, as well as the percentage of A roads, B and C roads, and smaller local roads considered to be in poor condition.
In the study, A roads refer to the UK’s major roads used for high levels of traffic and longer-distance travel, often connecting towns and cities. B and C roads are smaller regional and local routes that link communities and support everyday commuting, while U roads, also known as unclassified roads, are typically residential streets and neighbourhood roads.
Portsmouth emerged as the strongest-performing area in the study, ranking 45th overall with an overall road deterioration score of just 5.46. The data shows only 2% of A roads and 1% of B and C roads in poor condition, alongside just 1% of unclassified roads affected, making it the least impacted location in the ranking.
The findings suggest that road conditions in Portsmouth remain comparatively stable across both major routes and residential streets, with low levels of deterioration recorded across all categories.
Nottingham topped the study overall, while Brighton and Hove and Lancashire also featured highly, with Lancashire recording the highest pothole repair intensity in the study at 21.94 per 100 kilometres. Liverpool, Shropshire and Southend-on-Sea also appeared among the more affected areas, reflecting broader strain across both urban and regional networks.
At the other end of the scale, Portsmouth stands out for its relatively well-maintained road network compared with other UK local authorities included in the analysis.
Nicholas Tate, spokesperson for Councilclaims.co.uk, said poor road conditions can gradually affect both driving experience and vehicle wear:
“Over time, that kind of driving takes its toll in more ways than people realise. It’s not just the frustration in the moment, it’s the extra strain on vehicles, from tyres and suspension to alignment issues that slowly build up. Even routine journeys can start to feel more tiring when you’re constantly reacting to the road surface rather than just getting from A to B.”
“It also changes how people plan their journeys. Drivers start avoiding certain routes, allowing extra time just in case, or sticking to roads they know are slightly better even if they’re not the most direct. That ripple effect can add pressure to other parts of the network and makes everyday travel feel more stressful than it should be.”
Top 10 UK areas with the worst roads
Nottingham — 80.66
Brighton and Hove — 58.70
Lancashire — 56.72
Liverpool — 49.17
Shropshire — 44.02
Southend-on-Sea — 43.07
Derby — 41.48
West Northamptonshire — 40.30
Bristol — 39.68
Surrey — 38.55