Local highways maintenance transparency report
Contents
- Local highways maintenance transparency report
- Highways maintenance spending figures
- Condition of local roads
- Plans
Condition of local roads
The following tables show the overall condition of the local highway network that North Northamptonshire Council is responsible for maintaining. This data is collected on an annual basis.
Percentage of A roads in each condition category per year 2020 to 2024
| Year | Red | Amber | Green |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2.79% | 58.27% | 38.94% |
| 2021 | 4.10% | 62.80% | 33.10% |
| 2022 | 4.20% | 65.40% | 30.40% |
| 2023 | 3.72% | 74.44% | 21.84% |
| 2024 | 3.55% | 71.50% | 24.95% |
Percentage of B and C roads in each condition category per year 2020 to 2024
| Year | Red | Amber | Green |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 6.94% | 75.89% | 17.17% |
| 2021 | 10.30% | 76.50% | 13.20% |
| 2022 | 11.40% | 77.20% | 11.40% |
| 2023 | 9.87% | 81.54% | 8.59% |
| 2024 | 10.42% | 81.00 % | 8.58% |
| Year | Percentage of U Roads in the Red category |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 10.77% |
| 2021 | 13.40% |
| 2022 | 14.40% |
| 2023 | 11.59% |
| 2024 | 12.86% |
Since 2020, road condition assessments on the North Northamptonshire local road network have been captured annually, using high-resolution cameras mounted on vehicles that capture thousands of detailed images of the road surface as the vehicle drives along. These images are then assessed and analysed using specialist software. This is in line with the new national standard BSI PAS2161 as detailed below.
A number of parameters measured in these surveys are used to produce a road condition indicator which is initially categorised into five categories and is then adjusted for reporting purposes 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.
Additional information on condition
Highway bridges and structure assets are key components in NNC’s road network, and their ongoing integrity is essential for the availability of the road network.
The over-arching requirement is that the highway structures assets are assessed and maintained to remain in a condition that they support the safe operation and availability of the road network. This goal will be achieved by planned regular inspection and consequent repairs.
The longer-term aim will be to maintain and improve the current condition of the highway structures assets. However, it is recognised that limitations on funding may restrict maintenance spending in the short and medium term and in such situations the network will need to be proactively managed to maintain safety and availability.
The aspiration is not to achieve a defect-free asset, but one where defects that affect safety and serviceability are addressed.
Last updated 25 June 2025