A third of all local B and C roads in England are in desperate need of maintenance and repair, and conditions will worsen further if road funding is cut, as currently feared.

The AA is warning the Government that cutting funding for roads maintenance would be detrimental for everyone

AA analysis of new data released by the Department for Transport reveals Derbyshire Council has the worst B and C roads, with a quarter (24%) in need of repair. A fifth of B and C roads in Southend-on-Sea (18%) should be considered for repair, with Shropshire and Derby tied for third place with 13%.

Unclassified roads make up three-fifths of roads maintained by councils but are the most overlooked. AA analysis has found that 15% of unclassified roads are considered ‘Red’ category, the worst ranking available.

Half (50%) of unclassified roads in Hammersmith & Fulham are in need of repair, while more than a third of unclassified roads in Bury and Wolverhampton need resurfacing.

The data comes with the Prime Minister and Chancellor due to announce their fiscal statement later this month, but rumours are swirling about public spending cuts – including to the £2.5bn Potholes Fund.

And the AA is warning the Government that cutting funding for roads maintenance would be detrimental for everyone.

Jack Cousens, head of roads policy for the AA, said: “Roads across the country are in an awful state and with winter just around the corner the plague of potholes will only spread.

“Local roads are at great risk of becoming dangerous and need significant invest to make them safe. Smooth roads also encourage people to cycle more which would help reach our Net Zero targets.

“Our local roads cannot take another round of cuts. The Prime Minister and Chancellor should avoid slashing local road investment later this month.”