Potholes: The #1 Local Election Issue
Opinion polls show potholes are right up there with the cost of living, health services and crime as the key deciding issue for voters heading to the polls.
Source: BBC News, May 2026
The Crisis By Numbers
Data from the Asphalt Industry Alliance 2026 Survey
RAC reported 15,421 pothole-related breakdowns in Q1 2026, up from just 5,420 in the same period in 2025. The AA recorded 68,786 incidents in January 2026 alone—higher than any month in 2025.
What Voters Want: Transparency & Accountability
A pothole hasn't got politics, it just needs fixing. But a pothole is only a sign of failure of resurfacing and maintaining the network.
Once the ballots are all cast, their urgency fades—shockingly fast. Pledges quietly derail.
Mark Morrell (Mr Pothole)
Campaigner & Founder of National Pothole Day (est. 2015)
The Problem
Candidates make promises at election time, but voters have no way to track whether those promises are kept. There's a "hypocrisy on the highway."
The Solution
Transparent, public reporting systems that let communities track potholes in real-time—from report to repair. No more broken promises.
The Accountability Gap
Why traditional systems aren't working
Government Traffic Light System
In January 2026, the Department for Transport published a traffic light rating system judging local authorities on road maintenance and funding spending.
Some councils questioned the methodology after receiving their ratings.
Lack of Public Visibility
Voters contact the BBC saying their roads have become "undriveable" and "dreadful," while questioning their councils' responses.
Without transparent data, residents can't hold their representatives accountable.
£7.3bn Government Funding
Labour government announced £7.3bn for local road maintenance over four years, with rules that could withhold funding from councils unable to prove they're fixing potholes.
But how do councils prove it? And how do voters verify the claims?
Budget Pressures
The Local Government Association says "ever-increasing pressure on budgets has impacted councils' ability to maintain roads as much as they'd like."
Longer-term funding would help with preventative measures, but transparency is needed now.
Restore Trust Through Transparent Reporting
Give your community the accountability tool they deserve
Verifiable Evidence
Every pothole report includes photos, GPS coordinates, What3Words location, and timestamps. No room for disputes about what exists or where.
Public Transparency
All approved reports visible on public maps. Residents can see what's been reported, what's been approved, and what's been fixed in real-time.
Track Progress
Resolution tracking with before/after photos. Export data for reports, budgets, or FOI requests. Prove you're delivering on promises.
"They need to find out what they're talking about before making statements."
Mr Pothole's advice to councillors: Know your numbers, be upfront about the challenge, and outline a realistic plan.
Our platform gives you the data and transparency tools to do exactly that.
For Councils & Candidates
Campaign on transparency, not just promises
During Elections
- 1
Show you understand the scale
Use real data from your region to demonstrate you've done your homework
- 2
Make verifiable commitments
Promise transparency and tracking, not just "we'll fix all potholes"
- 3
Launch your tracking region
Set up public reporting before the election to show commitment
After You Win
- 1
Keep voters informed
Public map shows exactly what you're working on and what's been fixed
- 2
Data for funding requests
Export detailed reports to demonstrate need for central government funding
- 3
Build trust for re-election
Transparent track record of delivery beats promises every time
Start With The Free Tier
4 approvals per week. Unlimited reports. Full transparency features.
Perfect for getting started during campaign season. Upgrade as you grow.
Create Your Region FreeFor Residents & Community Groups
Hold your council accountable
Make Your Voice Heard
Document potholes with photos and precise locations. Build an undeniable record of your community's road conditions.
Pressure for Action
Share your region's public map with local media, councillors, and MPs. Data speaks louder than complaints.
Track Campaign Promises
Create your own region if your council won't. See if they follow through on their election commitments.
Submit FOI Requests
Export your community's data to compare against official council records and spending claims.
You don't need to wait for your council to act. Anyone can create a region and start tracking potholes in their community.
Create Community RegionWhat The Parties Are Saying
Political pledges from the May 2026 local elections
Conservative Party
Proposing a "national pothole patrol" with specialist repair units using "the most effective technology on the market."
Labour Party
Announced £7.3bn for local road maintenance over four years, with potential funding withheld from councils unable to prove they're fixing potholes.
Liberal Democrats
Supporting councils to fix potholes locally. "The state of our roads is a mess nationwide and reflects the wider crisis in local government funding."
Green Party
Prioritising upkeep of existing roads over new road building. "Potholes have a big impact on walkers and cyclists as well as people who need to use cars."
Reform UK
Their councils trying "new solutions to fix the broken roads they inherited," including "cutting-edge technology to make repairs faster and more efficient."
Local Government Association
"Ever-increasing pressure on budgets has impacted councils' ability to maintain roads. Longer-term funding would help with preventative measures."
All parties promise action. But how do voters track delivery?
Transparent reporting platforms are the answer—regardless of who wins.
Voters Demand Accountability. Can You Deliver?
With potholes ranking alongside cost of living and health services as a top election issue, transparent action isn't optional—it's essential.
Start your free region today. No credit card required. Upgrade only when you need to.
Based on BBC News report, May 2026
Data sources: Asphalt Industry Alliance 2026 Survey • RAC breakdown statistics • Department for Transport