WILTSHIRE Council has been rated among the best-performing highway authorities in England for its approach to fixing potholes and maintaining roads.

In the Department for Transport’s (DfT) latest assessment of local road maintenance, the council received a green rating, indicating strong overall road conditions, additional investment in highways maintenance and the use of best practice, including preventative repair techniques and innovative technologies.

The assessment forms part of a national review of how councils are tackling potholes and improving the resilience of their road networks.

An interactive map published by the DfT allows residents to compare performance across the country with Wiltshire ranked alongside the highest-performing authorities.

The government’s rating is supported by the council’s own data, which shows a significant reduction in reported potholes.

In 2025, reports fell by 28% compared with the previous year, a decline the authority attributes to increased investment in early intervention and preventative maintenance.

Cabinet member for highways Cllr Martin Smith said the recognition reflected the efforts of council staff and contractors.

He said: “We are delighted to receive this recognition from the DfT, as it shows how the hard work of our teams is paying off.”

He added that maintaining safe and reliable roads was a key priority under the council’s Our Wiltshire Plan, noting that preventative maintenance had helped reduce the number of defects developing into more serious problems.

Cllr Smith acknowledged that challenges remain, particularly during periods of harsh winter weather, which can accelerate road deterioration.

“We know there is still much more to do, and we will continue to build on this success to deliver the best possible road network for our residents and businesses, while working within our budget constraints,” he said.

Residents can report potholes and other highway issues through the council’s MyWilts online reporting system.

The DfT’s interactive map showing council performance is available on the GOV.UK website.