Key Points
- Bexley’s roads are ranked seventh best in England according to the latest Department for Transport (DfT) data.
- The borough earned one of just four ‘green’ ratings among London’s highways authorities.
- Only 26 out of 154 highways authorities in England received a ‘green’ rating in the assessment.
- DfT figures cover all A, B, C roads and residential roads nationwide.
- Bexley Council repairs approximately 2,500 potholes each year.
- Over the past five years, Bexley has resurfaced and restructured around 300 road sections.
- Cllr Richard Diment, cabinet member for neighbourhoods, credited council highways officers and contractors for daily inspections and repairs.
- The council invests millions of pounds annually in maintaining and improving its highways network.
Bexley, London (Bexley News Desk) 15 January 2026 – Bexley’s roads have been ranked seventh best in England, securing one of only four ‘green’ ratings across London boroughs in the latest Department for Transport (DfT) assessment. The figures, which encompass all A, B, C roads and residential streets nationwide, place Bexley among an elite group, with just 26 of England’s 154 highways authorities achieving the top ‘green’ status. This accolade underscores the borough’s robust investment in infrastructure amid ongoing national challenges with road maintenance.
Why Has Bexley Achieved Such a High Ranking?
The DfT’s comprehensive evaluation highlights Bexley’s proactive approach to road upkeep. Council data reveals that the borough repairs around 2,500 potholes annually, a figure that reflects diligent monitoring and swift action. Over the past five years, approximately 300 road sections have been resurfaced or restructured, contributing to the smooth surfaces that earned the ‘green’ rating.
Cllr Richard Diment, cabinet member for neighbourhoods at Bexley Council, emphasised the scale of investment involved. As reported directly from council statements, Cllr Diment said:
“We work hard and invest millions of pounds each year in maintaining and improving our highways network.”
He further noted,
“This data shows that Bexley’s roads are among the best in the country and London and we’d like to thank the council’s highways officers and our contractors for their work every day inspecting and repairing our roads.”
This recognition positions Bexley favourably not only in London but across England, where deteriorating roads remain a persistent issue for many authorities.
What Do the DfT Figures Reveal Nationally?
The DfT assessment paints a broader picture of England’s road conditions. Covering every category from major A roads to quiet residential streets, the data exposes stark disparities. Only 26 highways authorities – less than one in five – attained the coveted ‘green’ rating, indicating widespread struggles with maintenance amid budget pressures and harsh weather.
Bexley stands out as one of London’s four green-rated boroughs, a testament to targeted efforts in a region notorious for congested and pothole-prone streets. The rankings underscore how strategic funding and operational efficiency can yield superior outcomes, even in urban settings.
How Does Bexley Maintain Its Roads Daily?
Daily inspections form the backbone of Bexley’s success. Highways officers and contractors patrol routes regularly, identifying issues before they escalate. The annual repair of 2,500 potholes demonstrates a responsive system, while the five-year resurfacing of 300 sections shows long-term planning.
Cllr Diment’s praise for these teams highlights their role:
“We’d like to thank the council’s highways officers and our contractors for their work every day inspecting and repairing our roads.”
Such hands-on commitment ensures minimal disruptions for residents and businesses.
What Challenges Do Other Areas Face Compared to Bexley?
While Bexley celebrates its seventh-place national ranking, many of England’s 154 authorities languish with lower ratings. The DfT data reveals that the majority fall short of ‘green’ status, grappling with backlogs of repairs and limited funds. In London alone, only four boroughs match Bexley’s achievement, leaving others to contend with poorer surfaces.
Nationally, residential roads often bear the brunt, with potholes and cracks multiplying without sufficient intervention. Bexley’s model – combining investment, inspections, and repairs – offers a blueprint for underperformers.
Who Is Cllr Richard Diment and What Is His Role?
Cllr Richard Diment serves as Bexley Council’s cabinet member for neighbourhoods, overseeing highways and related services. His comments, drawn from official council releases, reflect pride in the borough’s performance.
“This data shows that Bexley’s roads are among the best in the country and London,”
he stated, attributing success to “millions of pounds each year in maintaining and improving our highways network.”
Diment’s leadership emphasises collaboration with contractors, ensuring resources translate into tangible results.
What Investments Has Bexley Made in Highways?
Bexley Council allocates millions annually to its highways network, funding everything from pothole fixes to major resurfacings. The past five years saw around 300 sections transformed, enhancing safety and drivability. This sustained spending – coupled with 2,500 yearly pothole repairs – directly correlates with the seventh-place ranking.
Such fiscal commitment sets Bexley apart, proving that prioritised budgets yield high returns in public satisfaction and infrastructure quality.
How Rare Is Bexley’s ‘Green’ Rating in London?
Among London’s 32 boroughs plus the City of London, Bexley joins just three others with a ‘green’ DfT rating. This rarity amplifies the achievement, especially in a metropolis strained by heavy traffic and urban wear. The assessment’s inclusivity – spanning all road types – makes the honour even more noteworthy.
Residents benefit from reliable journeys, fewer vehicle damages, and lower council liabilities from pothole claims.
What Does the DfT Assessment Methodology Entail?
The Department for Transport evaluates highways authorities on objective criteria, including road condition surveys, repair timeliness, and safety metrics. All A, B, C, and residential roads factor in, providing a holistic view. Bexley’s ‘green’ score reflects excellence across these metrics.
Only 26 of 154 authorities met the standard, with Bexley’s seventh-place finish highlighting its national prowess.
Why Is Road Quality Important for Bexley Residents?
Smooth roads reduce accidents, vehicle wear, and emergency call-outs. Bexley’s ranking means safer commutes for families, efficient deliveries for businesses, and cost savings on repairs. The council’s efforts – from daily patrols to multi-year projects – safeguard this vital asset.
Cllr Diment encapsulated this: “We work hard… inspecting and repairing our roads,” ensuring Bexley remains a leader.
How Can Other Boroughs Emulate Bexley’s Success?
Authorities eyeing improvement might adopt Bexley’s formula: heavy investment, rigorous inspections, and contractor partnerships. Repairing 2,500 potholes yearly and resurfacing 300 sections offers scalable tactics. Learning from one of England’s top performers could elevate national standards.
The DfT data serves as both benchmark and motivator.
What’s Next for Bexley’s Highways?
With momentum from this ranking, Bexley plans continued investment. Ongoing pothole repairs and resurfacing will sustain the ‘green’ status. Cllr Diment’s team remains committed, as evidenced by their daily operations.
Residents can expect the borough’s roads to stay among England’s finest.
