Kirklees rated 'amber' over state of its roads
Kirklees Council has been given an “amber” rating in a new government system ranking how well local authorities tackle potholes.
The new ratings rank authorities based on current road conditions and how effectively they are spending government funding to fix potholes and invest in long term measures to maintain roads.
Kirklees was given an overall rating of amber, as well as amber for the condition of its roads and for how well it adopts best practice.
But the local authority secured a green rating for how it is spending the government’s investment.
To unlock the highest level of government funding available, councils now have to publish transparency reports to demonstrate how they are complying with best practice.
Kirklees’ report estimates that in 2024/25, the council filled in 37,641 potholes, compared with 33,539 in 2023/24 and 35,212 in 2022/23.
Kirklees Council also has a traffic light ranking system for its roads, showing that condition has declined over the years.
In 2024, 4.6 per cent of A roads were put in the lowest “red” category – meaning they should be considered for maintenance – whereas in 2022, just 2.1 per cent fell into this category.
The percentage of “green” Kirklees roads which require no treatment is also on the decline, peaking at 80 per cent in 2022, to 71.5 per cent in 2024.
Councillor Tyler Hawkins, cabinet member for Highways, said: “Repairing our roads is an absolute priority for the council.
"We know how frustrating potholes and damaged surfaces are for residents and we are tackling them.
“During the 2024/25 financial year, Kirklees Council repaired 37,641 potholes across the district and resurfaced 62.9 kilometres of our highway network, but we know there is more to do.
"Regular inspections are carried out throughout the year and we invest in preventative treatments such as surface dressing, which helps stop potholes forming in the first place.
"These works are among the most efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective ways to improve our roads.
“We remain firmly committed to carrying out improvements and making everyday journeys safer and more reliable for everyone who lives, works and travels in Kirklees.”