Birmingham's crumbling road network has been condemned as "dangerous" by frustrated residents, with one notorious stretch described as a "journey to hell." The criticism comes as Birmingham City Council receives a middling 'amber' rating in a new national assessment of pothole repairs.
Council's Amber Rating Signals 'Room for Improvement'
In January 2026, a new government traffic light system rated every local authority in England on their pothole repair performance. Councils like neighbouring Sandwell, which scored 'green,' were praised for following best practice and investing in long-term fixes.
However, Labour-run Birmingham City Council was given an 'amber' rating, indicating it has shown some positive qualities but has significant "room for improvement in individual areas." The ratings are based on road conditions, spending on repairs, and whether best maintenance practices are followed.
Residents Voice Fury Over 'Disgraceful' and Hazardous Conditions
The amber rating will come as no surprise to the city's drivers. Liberal Democrat Councillor for Moseley, Izzy Knowles, reported receiving "loads of complaints" about the state of Edgbaston Road near the cricket training ground. A visit on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, confirmed significant, water-filled potholes remained, creating hazards for vehicles.
The problem is widespread. Pershore Road and Cannon Hill Road were also plagued by potholes turned into mini-lakes by wet weather, forcing drivers to swerve dangerously.
Local residents expressed their anger and fear. Anne Lacey warned, "It's dangerous now – if a motorcyclist hits one it could be a fatality." Rosemary Griffiths, who uses Edgbaston Road frequently, said it was "bad and getting worse," also labelling Priory Road a "disgrace." One anonymous local summed up the experience on Wake Green Road and Priory Road starkly: "A journey along here is a journey to hell."
Campaigners and Government Respond to the Crisis
Martin Price, chair of the campaign group Better Streets for Birmingham, argued that road quality is a "key aspect of safe roads," endangering pedestrians and cyclists. He attributed the poor state to "mostly reactive maintenance" and the impact of heavier vehicles and extreme weather.
The Labour government stated it has provided a "record multi-year investment" to help councils move away from short-term fixes. 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 ratings and longer-term funding, hoping it leads to "smoother, better roads." Birmingham City Council was contacted for comment regarding its amber rating.
