The Highways Cabinet Panel of Hertfordshire Council met on Thursday, 12 March 2026, to discuss the Highways Infrastructure Asset Management Plan Performance Report for 2024-25, the Department for Transport (DFT) RAG ratings, and an update on the pothole trial. The panel noted and commented on the performance report, received an information note on the DFT RAG ratings, and heard a verbal update on the pothole trial.

Highways Infrastructure Asset Management Plan Performance Report 2024-25

The panel reviewed the Highways Infrastructure Asset Management Plan Performance Report for 2024-25. This annual report provides a retrospective look at delivered services, benchmarks performance, and examines expenditure and asset numbers. Chris Allen Smith, Head of Asset Management and Maintenance Service, presented the report, highlighting its importance for demonstrating performance to the DFT and for providing a single source of truth for data.

Councillor Sandy Walkington, Lib Dem member for St Albans South and Vice-Chairman of the Council, raised several points. She queried the absence of specific U-road condition data for 2024-25, noting only an average was provided. She also requested figures on the adoption of new roads for the report and suggested exploring the potential transfer of assets to town and parish councils in light of local government reorganisation. Councillor Walkington also expressed a desire for more real-time data to be publicly accessible.

In response, Councillor Stephen Giles-Medhurst OBE, Executive Member for Highways, clarified that any asset transfers to town and parish councils would need to adhere to best value for money criteria and would be subject to decisions by joint committees and shadow authorities following local government reorganisation.

Chris Allen Smith explained the absence of specific U-road data, detailing the transition to new survey technologies and the challenges with the previous visual inspection method. He confirmed that data on carriageway length changes could be included in future reports and that while real-time data for all aspects might not be practical, specific items could be considered.

Councillor Steven Watson, Green member for Wayer South and Vice-Chair of Scrutiny Committee, expressed concern about the upward trend in U-road deterioration and noted a perceived lack of proactive maintenance strategies for drainage, footway, and cycleway assets compared to roads. Chris Allen Smith acknowledged the concern regarding U-roads, attributing some of the deterioration to their construction and the impact of severe winters. He assured that footways and cycleways are subject to preventative maintenance programmes and condition surveys, though drainage remains a more reactive service due to the difficulty and cost of surveying buried assets and the complexity of external factors influencing drainage issues.

Councillor Nigel Taylor, Lib Dem Councillor for Buckhamstead and Chair of the Development Control Committee, inquired about improvements to record-keeping, particularly for drainage assets. Chris Allen Smith detailed ongoing work to improve the highway database, integrate data from contractors like Ringway, and capture asset information as it becomes available, acknowledging that this is an inherited challenge common across local highway authorities.

The panel agreed to the Highways Infrastructure Asset Management Plan Asset Performance Report for 2024-25.

DFT RAG Ratings Information Note

The panel received an information note on the Department for Transport (DFT) RAG (Red, Amber, Green) ratings for local highway authorities. This was the first time the DFT had implemented such a system, using data submitted by authorities on expenditure, road condition, and service management. Hertfordshire was rated Amber overall, narrowly missing out on a Green rating.

Chris Allen Smith explained that the RAG ratings were based on data from 2024-25 and that the methodology was not fully disclosed to local authorities in advance, leading to potential inconsistencies in interpretation. He noted that the Amber rating for best practice was largely influenced by the balance between reactive maintenance (pothole filling) and preventative maintenance, suggesting that a broader interpretation of preventative maintenance could have resulted in a Green rating. The condition of U-roads was also cited as a factor.

Councillor Matt Cowley, Conservative Spokesperson for Highways and County Councillor for Harpen and South West, questioned whether the issue lay with the interpretation of data or the underlying textbook of the assessment. Chris Allen Smith indicated it was likely a combination of both, with a need to refine answers and potentially influence future DFT questions to ensure a level playing field and accurate reflection of achievements.

Councillor Nigel Taylor raised concerns about the impact of severe weather on highway conditions and suggested the DFT consider normalising scores to account for year-on-year weather variations. Chris Allen Smith confirmed that weather data, particularly rainfall and frost, is monitored, but obtaining comparable data for other authorities would require payment. He proposed advocating to the DFT for increased funding for the UK's road network as a whole, rather than focusing on individual authority comparisons.

Councillor Vishal Patel highlighted the importance of managing funds effectively and questioned whether contingency funds could be allocated for weather-related issues. The panel discussed the Integrated Works Programme and the ongoing challenge of balancing preventative maintenance with reactive repairs, noting that while more preventative work is being undertaken, funding remains a significant constraint.

Michael Blissett, Reform Councillor for Hatfield East, praised the significant improvement in pothole repairs, particularly given the challenging weather conditions, and thanked the crews for their hard work. Councillor Simon Rhodes for Boreham Wood North echoed these sentiments, emphasising the importance of clear communication with residents about the limitations of resources and the complexities of pothole repair prioritisation.

The panel noted the report.

Pothole Trial Update

Chris Allen Smith provided a verbal update on the ongoing pothole trial, focusing on Phase Three, which utilises the Roadmender process. This method involves pouring hot liquid asphalt over a surface, which can cover a larger area and bind frayed edges, proving to be durable. The trial aims to test its effectiveness in various conditions and optimise productivity to reduce unit costs.

To date, works have been undertaken on 28 roads, with a further 42 planned. The process has filled 437 potholes and treated 6,600 square metres. The trial is largely focused on urban roads with lower speed limits to minimise disruption and cost, and has also been trialled on concrete roads.

Councillor Sandy Walkington inquired about the durability of Roadmender on concrete roads and whether it effectively addresses dips caused by uneven slabs. Chris Allen Smith confirmed that while Roadmender appears to be a good product, its suitability depends on the extent of the damage, with whole road resurfacing being a more appropriate solution for widespread issues. He also noted that while Roadmender can level minor dips, significant slab movement would require more substantial and costly interventions.

Councillor Alistair Willoughby, Deputy Leader of the Labour Group and Vice-Chair of Scrutiny Committee, questioned the efficiency of Roadmender, particularly when used for small, scattered defects, and whether it might lead to more work being done in fewer areas, potentially increasing the overall number of potholes. Chris Allen Smith explained that the efficiency of Roadmender is maximised when used at scale, with crews utilising a full boiler of material. He clarified that the process is proportionate to the area treated and that Ringway, the contractor, is working to ensure crews are not waiting for materials. He also highlighted the positive public perception of larger, more comprehensive repairs.

The panel noted the report and requested a further update once more data is available.