The proportion of locally managed major roads rated in poor condition has risen, new government figures show.
Devon recorded three per cent of its locally managed A-road and motorway network in the poorest condition category in the year to March 2026, compared with two per cent in the year to March 2024.
Plymouth recorded the same increase, from two per cent to three per cent, while Torbay remained unchanged at three per cent.
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The figures, published by the Department for Transport, show the proportion of the network categorised as "red," meaning it should have been considered for maintenance.
Councils are required to carry out regular surveys of road surfaces under their management, classifying their condition as red, amber or green.
The percentages describe the proportion of the total locally managed A-road and motorway network in each category, rather than the number of individual roads.
Elsewhere in the South West, Somerset recorded four per cent in poor condition, up from two per cent in the year to March 2024.
Cornwall's figure rose from one per cent to two per cent.
Dorset recorded three per cent, compared with two per cent previously, although it was among the authorities using an alternative method to collect its 2026 data.
Most councils used Scanner technology – Surface Condition Assessment for the National Network of Roads – to assess their road surfaces.
Across England, Brighton & Hove reported the highest proportion in the list at 17 per cent, followed by Nottingham at 15 per cent.
Both used alternative data collection methods.
Devon, Plymouth and Torbay each recorded substantially lower proportions, at three per cent.
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