Condition of local roads
We closely monitor the condition of our carriageways. This allows us to identify areas to undertake both structural repairs and preventative maintenance and prioritise works across the whole network.
Road condition assessments on the local classified road network in England are currently made predominantly using Surface Condition Assessment for the National Network of Roads (SCANNER) laser-based technology.
A number of parameters measured in these surveys are used to produce a road condition indicator which is categorised into three condition categories:
- Green – No further investigation or treatment required
- Amber – Maintenance may be required soon
- Red – Should be considered for maintenance
From 2026/27 a new methodology will be used based on the BSI PAS2161 standard. Local Highway Authorities will be required to use a supplier that has been accredited against PAS2161. This new standard will categorise roads into five categories instead of three to help government gain a more detailed understanding of road condition in England.
Percentage of A roads in each condition category
| Year | Red | Amber | Green |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2.1% | 20.47% | 77.43% |
| 2021 | 1.43% | 16.8% | 81.77% |
| 2022 | 2.2% | 19.9% | 77.90% |
| 2023 | 2.1% | 16.4% | 81.50% |
| 2024 | 3% | 22.5% | 74.50% |
| 2025 | 3.9% | 23.4% | 72.70% |
Percentage of B and C roads in each condition category
| Year | Red | Amber | Green |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 4.36% | 26.38% | 69.23% |
| 2021 | 3.59% | 24.59% | 71.82% |
| 2022 | 3.65% | 24.3% | 72.04% |
| 2023 | 4.44% | 24.65% | 70.91% |
| 2024 | 4.59% | 25.73% | 69.68% |
| 2025 | 6.49% | 29.30% | 64.21% |
We undertake the SCANNER surveys on our classified road network annually covering the A and B class roads B road in both directions and the C class road in one direction one year and the opposite direction the next, to get a good picture of the condition of the classified road network. The condition of our classified road network has remained relatively stable over the last 5 years. The focus though for 2025/26 is to invest more money in the classified network to ensure overall it remains in good condition and undertake preventative maintenance.
The network has remained relatively stable for the last 5 years. We are focusing more funds to the ABC road network during 25/26 to ensure that the network remains in overall good condition.
| Year | Percentage of U roads in the red category |
|---|---|
| 2020 | NA |
| 2021 | 26.39% |
| 2022 | 27.65% |
| 2023 | 28.14% |
| 2024 | 27.67% |
| 2025 | 27.56% |
There has not been any nationally recognised standard for monitoring the condition of the unclassified network. However we have used the detailed video surveys we undertake to monitor the condition of the unclassified network.
The condition data is collected by Detailed Video Survey identifying each road sections as Grade 1 Free from Defects, Grade 2 Signs of Surface Wear, Grade 3 Mid Life, Grade 4 Functionally Impaired, Grade 5 Structurally Impaired. Various types of damage and deterioration are recorded as a percentage of the overall area assessed for each grade.
GREEN classification is the % of the area generally in good state of repair.
AMBER classification is the % of the area of damage for grade 3 plus the residual % area (not damaged) for grades 4 & 5. This relates to the areas considered for surface dressing (preventative maintenance) works.
RED classification is the % of the area of damage for grades 4 & 5. This relates to the areas considered for resurfacing (planned structural maintenance) works.
The unclassified network condition has remained relatively stable over the last few years.
We also monitor condition across the range of assets we manage and publish these, along with other performance data and approach to managing the assets in our annual data refresh TAMP Phase 2 (2019/20 – 2024/25) - Lancashire County Council.
Additional information on condition
2023 to 2024 rainfall and impact on the network condition
In 2023 Lancashire experienced higher rainfall levels over the year averaging at around 125% of the average rainfall recorded between 1991 – 2020. Some areas experienced the highest levels of around 135% of the average recorded rainfall.
Consequently, the highway network was consistently wet from the summer of 2024 through to the winter season. The network was considered saturated for more than 6 months.
This contributed to a significant increase in pothole damage and was further exacerbated by some periods of cold weather over winter.