The State of UK Roads in 2025: A Call for Smarter Maintenance Strategies

BituChem Ltd |

Understanding current challenges

In 2025, the condition of UK roads has become a pressing concern for local authorities and road users alike. Recent data indicates that 8% of A roads and 17% of B & C roads are in poor condition, figures that are double those reported in official statistics. This discrepancy highlights the need for more accurate assessments and proactive maintenance approaches.

The Asphalt Industry Alliance’s (AIA) annual report reveals that the cost of repairing pothole-hit roads in England and Wales has surged to nearly £17 billion, marking a record high. One in six miles of the local road network is nearing the end of its structural life with less than five years remaining. Despite over £20 billion spent on maintenance over the past decade, insufficient long-term funding has prevented significant improvements in road conditions. {reference 1}

 The importance of accurate data

Traditional road surveying methods have proven inadequate in capturing the true state of the UK’s road network. Advancements in technology, particularly the use of AI-driven analysis, offer more precise insights. For instance, GAIST’s comprehensive AI-driven road condition analysis has segmented the entire UK road network into approximately 85 million unique 5-meter segments, collecting 4.2 trillion items of data per year. This level of detail enables local authorities to identify deteriorating road segments before they develop into more severe issues.

The Department for Transport (DfT) is introducing a new data standard, PAS2161:2024, which aims to address the inaccuracies of outdated road surveying methods by incorporating the latest innovations in technology. This standard will support accurate road condition data collection, enabling councils to prioritise maintenance more effectively.{ reference 2 }

[sub heading] Embracing preventative maintenance

Preventative maintenance is crucial in extending the lifespan of roads and reducing long-term repair costs. By addressing issues in their early stages, local authorities can prevent the formation of potholes and other significant damages. This approach not only ensures safer travel for road users but also represents a more sustainable and cost-effective strategy for road maintenance.

The Road Surface Treatments Association (RSTA) emphasises that investing comparatively smaller sums in earlier, more frequent, preventative maintenance through early to mid-life roads will stop them progressing into poor condition roads, where unpredictable and expensive potholes will form. 

A preventative approach keeps roads in good condition for longer, for less cost, and supports carbon reduction targets. {reference 3} 

[sub heading] The role of micro asphalt in road preservation

Micro asphalt is a cold-applied surface treatment that offers several benefits over traditional hot asphalt methods. It does not require a spray tanker with a boiler, making it more environmentally friendly and less disruptive to traffic during application. Micro asphalt treatments can extend the life of existing road surfaces, improve skid resistance, and seal minor cracks, thereby preventing water ingress and subsequent deterioration.

According to the RSTA, micro surfacing can be a cost-effective preventative maintenance treatment. For example, an investment of £500 million could fund approximately 71 million m² (or 13,000 km) of micro surfacing, offering a more sustainable alternative to reactive pothole repairs. { Reference 4}

NEW: Surface Dressing: A proven preventative measure

Surface dressing is a long-established and proven highway maintenance technique involving the spray application of an emulsion bituminous binder onto a prepared road surface, followed by the immediate application of aggregate chippings to ‘dress’ the binder. 

This method is cost-effective and can significantly extend the life of a road surface by sealing it against water ingress and restoring skid resistance.

The RSTA highlights that surface dressing uses up to 75% less bitumen and up to 80% less aggregate per square metre than thin surface (asphalt) courses, making it one of the most carbon-efficient surface treatments available. By adopting surface dressing as part of a proactive maintenance strategy, local authorities can reduce the occurrence of potholes and the associated repair costs.{ reference 5} 

NEW : LockChip encapsulation: Enhancing surface dressing

Encapsulation with LockChip is an innovative technique used in conjunction with surface dressing to ‘lock down’ chippings, providing a more durable and aesthetically pleasing finish. 

This method involves applying a binder over the surface-dressed road to encapsulate the aggregate, reducing the risk of loose chippings and enhancing the longevity of the treatment.

The RSTA notes that encapsulation systems like LockChip can give the appearance of a conventionally resurfaced road, offering a cost-effective alternative to more extensive resurfacing methods. 

By incorporating LockChip encapsulation into their maintenance strategies, local authorities can improve road safety and reduce long-term maintenance costs.{reference 5} 

Recommendations for local authorities

To improve road conditions and implement effective maintenance strategies, local authorities should consider the following actions:

  1. Adopt advanced surveying techniques: Utilise AI-driven road condition assessments to obtain accurate and up-to-date information on road health. 
  2. Implement preventative maintenance programs: Focus on early intervention strategies, such as micro asphalt applications, to address minor issues before they escalate. 
  3. Allocate resources efficiently: Prioritise maintenance activities based on data-driven insights to ensure optimal use of available funds. 
  4. Engage with industry bodies: Collaborate with organisations like the Road Surface Treatments Association (RSTA) to stay informed about best practices and innovative solutions in road maintenance. 
  5. Consider environmental impact: Incorporate surface treatments that offer significant carbon savings compared to traditional resurfacing methods, supporting net zero aspirations. {reference 6} 

Conclusion

The current state of UK roads necessitates a shift towards smarter, data-informed maintenance strategies. By embracing advanced technologies and preventative approaches, local authorities can enhance the longevity and safety of their road networks, ultimately providing better service to the public and achieving more sustainable outcomes.

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References

  1. Pothole repair backlog – The Times  
  2. UK roads are in worse condition – Highways News
  3. Stopping potholes forming is the only way to cut vehicle repair costs – RSTA 
  4. RSTA calls for local authorities to review highway maintenance – RSTA 
  5. Repair and renew: the sustainable option rsta-uk.org
  6. Surface treatments impact carbon reduction – RSTA