Fresh analysis of Department for Transport data has revealed the parts of England where B and C roads are most in need of repair – and where they are best maintained.
Worst areas
The study, carried out by Go.Compare motorbike insurance, shows Westmorland and Furness has the poorest record, with 11% of its B and C roads in ‘red’ condition, requiring urgent assessment. A further 38% are in ‘amber’, meaning they could soon need maintenance.
Devon also performs poorly, with 10% of its roads in red condition and 36% in amber. Other counties with high proportions of poor-quality roads include Herefordshire, Staffordshire, Kent, Oxfordshire, and Somerset. Slough has the highest proportion of amber roads (43%).
Area % of B and C roads in red condition % in amber condition Westmorland and Furness 11% 38% Devon 10% 36% Herefordshire 8% 32% Staffordshire 8% – Kent 8% 33% Oxfordshire 8% 32% Somerset 8% – Slough – 43%
Best areas
By contrast, the North East leads the way with well-kept rural roads. Sunderland, Middlesbrough, and Newcastle all have more than 85% of B and C roads in good condition.
National overview
Across England:
- 63% of B and C roads are green (good condition)
- 7% are red (poor condition)
- The remainder are amber
What this means for drivers
While routes through the Lake District and South West may offer stunning views, the data shows they also come with higher risks. For riders and motorists, this underlines the importance of cautious driving, especially at lower speeds on poorly maintained rural roads.
