Birmingham's most pothole-ridden roads have been branded "dangerous" by frustrated residents, as the city council receives a government rating indicating significant "room for improvement" in its highways maintenance.
Government Traffic Light System Exposes Local Performance
This month, a new government initiative rated every local authority in England on their pothole repair performance using a traffic light system. Councils were given a red, amber, or green rating to show how effectively they are fixing road defects.
Labour-run Birmingham City Council was handed an 'amber' rating. This means the authority has demonstrated some best practices but requires improvement in specific areas. In contrast, neighbouring Sandwell Council achieved a 'green' rating for investing in long-term preventative measures and maintaining good road conditions.
Residents Describe 'Journey to Hell' on Key Routes
Drivers in Birmingham have long complained about the state of the city's highways, with several key routes now at the centre of serious concern. During a visit on Tuesday, January 13, significant potholes were still plaguing Edgbaston Road outside the cricket training ground, despite the council being contacted about the issue.
Liberal Democrat Councillor Izzy Knowles, who represents Moseley, said she had received "loads of complaints" about that very road. The problems extend far beyond a single location, however.
"The problem is not just by the cricket ground – it’s all down Priory Road and all the way along Wake Green Road," one local stated. "A journey along here is a journey to hell."
Nearby Pershore Road and Cannon Hill Road were also littered with potholes that had filled with water from recent wet weather, creating hazardous mini-lakes for motorists.
'It's Dangerous Now' - Fear and Frustration Grows
Residents and motorists have expressed growing anger and fear over the deteriorating road network. Anne Lacey warned of potential fatalities, stating: "It’s dangerous now – if a motorcyclist hits one it could be a fatality." She also highlighted the risk of drivers swerving to avoid craters, endangering others.
Other residents echoed this sentiment. Rosemary Griffiths, who drives along Edgbaston Road at least four times a week, said: "It’s bad and getting worse. Priory Road is also a disgrace." Farina Ahmed added: "I drive through there often and swerve most of the time."
Campaigners have also voiced strong criticism. Martin Price, chair of Better Streets for Birmingham, argued that road quality is a "key aspect of safe roads". He told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that current conditions are "particularly dangerous for pedestrians navigating loose paving slabs and cyclists swerving to avoid potholes," and also impact bus journeys and cause vehicle damage.
On the council's amber rating, Price said it "will not come as a surprise to anyone," blaming "mostly reactive maintenance" for leaving key routes in poor shape.
The Fight for Better, Long-Term Funding
The government's ratings are based on three key areas: the condition of local roads, spending on repairs, and whether best practice in maintenance is being followed. Councils rated 'red' are failing to meet expected standards.
The Labour government has stated it is backing councils with a "record multi-year investment" to move away from short-term fixes and towards long-term preventative measures. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: "For too long, drivers have paid the price because our roads were left to deteriorate."
RAC Head of Policy Simon Williams welcomed the new rating system and longer-term funding promises, hoping they will lead to "smoother, better roads."
Birmingham City Council has been contacted for comment regarding its amber rating.
