Condition of local roads
To support our data-driven approach to highway maintenance, we conduct:
- Coarse Visual Inspections (CVI)
- regular safety and condition assessments
We also incorporate data from public enquiries and pothole reports. This ensures that priorities are based on real-world evidence.
We have integrated AI technology to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of our assessments. Additionally, the Lincolnshire Condition Indicator (LCI) consolidates data on claims, potholes, and public enquiries per kilometre to inform decision-making.
Road condition assessments on England’s classified road network currently use SCANNER. This is a laser-based system categorising roads into three condition bands:
- green - no further investigation or treatment required
- amber - maintenance may be required soon
- red - should be considered for maintenance
Lower percentages in the red and amber categories indicate better road conditions. Higher green percentages reflect a well-maintained network.
From April 2026, a new methodology will be introduced based on the BSI PAS 2161 standard. All local highway authorities will be required to use suppliers accredited to this standard. The new approach will expand the condition categories from three to five. This enables a more detailed and nuanced understanding of road condition across England.
Percentage of A roads in each condition category
| Year | Red | Amber | Green |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2 | 22 | 76 |
| 2021 | 2 | 19 | 79 |
| 2022 | 2 | 18 | 80 |
| 2023 | 2 | 19 | 79 |
| 2024 | 3 | 19 | 78 |
SCANNER and CVI surveys are carried out across all the A road network in a single direction each year.
Percentage of B and C roads in each condition category
| Year | Red | Amber | Green |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 6 | 26 | 68 |
| 2021 | 6 | 24 | 70 |
| 2022 | 6 | 23 | 71 |
| 2023 | 6 | 24 | 70 |
| 2024 | 6 | 23 | 71 |
| Year | Percentage of unclassified roads in the red category |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 28 |
| 2021 | 27 |
| 2022 | 26 |
| 2023 | 26 |
| 2024 | 23 |
CVI surveys are carried out on 25% of the Unclassified Network each year.
With approximately 4,000 km of unclassified carriageways, Lincolnshire is responsible for managing one of the largest local road networks in England. We recognise the importance of this extensive network to our rural communities and local economy. Therefore, we have made improving its condition a strategic priority. Over the past five years, we have delivered significant enhancements to the unclassified road network, reflecting our commitment to:
- long-term investment
- preventative maintenance
- data-led decision-making
For further information on the frequency of our condition inspections, please refer to: