Essex has been recognised with a top-level ‘green’ rating by the Government for its road maintenance and repair, underlining the county council’s record of investment and proactive highway management.
The rating, published in the national league table, assesses local authorities on road condition, capital spend, and adoption of best practice. Essex’s success reflects extensive work across more than 5,000 miles of roads, funded through both the Department for Transport and the county council’s own programmes.
Since 2024, Essex County Council has invested an additional £49 million on pothole repairs, resurfacing, vegetation clearance, signage replacement, and other essential works. The Department for Transport has confirmed that the council will receive over £168 million for highways maintenance up to 2029/30, providing long-term support for road improvements.
Much of the work has been delivered through the £25 million Priority One programme, focused on proactive and preventative maintenance, alongside the ongoing Members’ Highways Initiative, which allows councillors to deploy dedicated crews for smaller repairs in their divisions. This initiative also includes £300,000 earmarked to tackle winter damage and respond to local concerns.
During the winter months, crews have been maintaining road safety by operating gritters in icy conditions and making temporary repairs where needed. Larger-scale resurfacing and maintenance work is set to resume in spring to ensure the county’s roads remain in top condition.
Councillor Mark Platt, Cabinet Member for Highways, Infrastructure and Sustainable Transport, said:
“We’re delighted Essex has achieved a top-level green rating, showing our commitment to proactive and preventative road maintenance. Our highways teams have worked tirelessly to address the issues residents care about most, keeping road users and pedestrians safe. This rating is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our staff across the county.”
The Government league table confirms that Essex’s investment in maintenance, innovative programmes, and consistent focus on best practice has positioned the county among the top-performing authorities in England.
