Reports of potholes in Essex have fallen “drastically” following major investment in the county’s road network, according to Essex County Council (ECC).

The council says that in June this year, 759 pothole reports were made through its Tell Us webpage, the lowest number since 2022. It says there has been a continuous reduction from 1,637 in January 2025, 4,049 in January 2024 and 5,033 in January 2023.

The downward trend follows the £25 million Priority One programme launched by ECC in August 2024 to target issues specifically reported by residents. Priority One was part of the £37 million additional investment into Essex Highways for 2024/25 on top of the normal maintenance budget. The council says this has meant an extra:

• 128 roads resurfaced
• 824 drainage clearances
• 582 vegetation clearances
• 446 signage and bollard repairs
• 30 drainage repairs

The Members’ Highways Initiative, also part of the £37 million investment, gives every county councillor a dedicated highways crew to prioritise local issues. ECC says this has resulted in:

• 8,000 carriageway defect repairs, such as potholes and surface damage
• 6,000 footway repairs, including kerbs and paving issues
• Replacing or repairing bollards, signs, pedestrian guard rails and surface covers

Tom Cunningham, ECC’s cabinet member for highways, infrastructure and sustainable transport, said: “The results show our investment is making a real difference. Residents wanted action, and we’re delivering.”