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LINKEDINAnnual Local Authority Road Maintenance (ALARM) Survey Report
‘No quick fix for local roads’, reports ALARM 2026 survey
ALARM 2026 data reveals that local authorities in England and Wales now face a record £18.62 billion backlog of carriageway repairs that would take 12 years to clear, despite an increase in funding.
Additional investment from both central government and local authority’s own sources has led to a 17% increase in average highway maintenance budgets in England and Wales, yet only a marginal increase in conditions have been reported.
Around half (51%) of the local road network is reported to be in good structural condition, with 15 years or more life remaining, up 3% from last year. However, almost one in six (16%) local roads – equivalent to over 32,500 miles – is reported to have less than five years’ structural life remaining.
Local authority highway engineers told us that they are cautiously optimistic that the increased funding announced by the Government, supplemented by their own coffers, should help them stem further decline. However, it is not the silver bullet that will enable them to clear the backlog of repairs any time soon.
About the ALARM survey
Every year the Asphalt Industry Alliance (AIA) commissions an independent survey of local authority highway departments in England (including London) and Wales.
The Annual Local Authority Road Maintenance (ALARM) survey report provides detailed insight into the funding and conditions of the local road network, based on information provided directly by those responsible for its maintenance. This year submissions were received from a record 79% of local authorities in England and Wales, providing robust findings which are used by stakeholders across the sector for tracking, benchmarking and planning purposes.
The survey relates predominantly to the carriageway – the road surface and structure – rather than the whole highway asset, which includes other structures such as bridges, street lights and road signs.