Posted on: Friday 16 January 2026
Pothole reports drop by approximately 10 per cent as the council invests £6.4m in road improvements.
Between 1 April and 31 December 2025, 701 potholes were reported and repaired across Torfaen – approximately 10 per cent decrease compared to the same period in 2024, when 768 potholes were repaired.
It comes after the council announced an additional £6.4 million for local road improvements between 2025-2030.
A total of 39 roads were resurfaced last year as part of the first phase of the Better Roads programme, with an estimated 29 roads to be resurfaced for year two of the programme during 2026.
The investment follows a borough-wide survey which found that while most classified (main) roads meet national standards, a significant number of minor roads require repair.
Cllr Mandy Owen, Executive Member for the Environment, said: "A 10 per cent reduction in pothole reports is a clear sign that our investment in road maintenance is paying off. We’ll continue working hard to improve road conditions and make travel safer for everyone in Torfaen."
Pothole repairs are prioritised using a risk-based approach that considers theimportance of the road and the depth of the pothole.
Emergency repairs are completed within two hours where there is a significant risk to road users, urgent repairs within 24 hours, and standard repairs within seven days.
On average, reported potholes are fixed within five days, ensuring roads remain safe and accessible.
The Better Roads project has been funded by £4 million in additional capital investment and £2.44 million from the Welsh Government's Local Government Borrowing Initiative, and will be carried out alongside the council's annual highways maintenance programme.