The Highways Cabinet Panel met on Thursday 12 March 2026 to discuss the Highways Infrastructure Asset Management Plan (HIAMP) Performance Report for 2024/25, the Department for Transport's (DfT) new road maintenance ratings, and an update on the trial of a new pothole repair method. The Panel noted the HIAMP report, which detailed the council's management of its highway assets, and discussed the DfT's RAG ratings, where Hertfordshire received an Amber rating. An update was also provided on the ongoing trial of the 'one visit, more impact' approach to fixing potholes.

Highways Infrastructure Asset Management Plan Performance Report 2024/25

The Panel received a comprehensive overview of Hertfordshire County Council's (HCC) Highways Infrastructure Asset Management Plan (HIAMP) Performance Report (APR) for 2024/25. Chris Allen-Smith, Head of Profession for Asset Management and Maintenance, presented the report, highlighting that it was a factual, retrospective look at delivered work rather than a new policy document. The APR details the management of various highway assets, including carriageways, footways, cycleways, drainage, structures, street lighting, and intelligent transport systems.

A key point of discussion was the condition of the unclassified road network (U-roads), which has shown a concerning upward trend in deterioration. While HCC's overall road condition, measured by the Average Condition Index (ACI), remains within acceptable limits and performs well nationally, the U-road data for 2024/25 was not published due to concerns about its completeness and reliability. This is partly attributed to the age and construction of these roads, making them more vulnerable to extreme weather.

The report also touched upon the transition to new national standards for carriageway condition surveys, including the adoption of PAS 2161:2024, which will allow for more consistent and comparable data using various technologies, including AI.

Discussions also covered the challenges of managing drainage assets, which are largely buried and lack comprehensive historical data, leading to a more reactive maintenance approach. The council is exploring ways to improve data collection and integrate systems for better management.

The council's commitment to sustainability was also highlighted, with efforts to use materials with lower environmental impact, such as warm asphalts and recycled materials, and to extend the life of carriageways. Health and safety initiatives, including the use of AI human detection technology on compaction rollers, were also mentioned.

The Panel was asked to note and comment on the report, recommending to Cabinet that it agrees the HIAMP Asset Performance Report for 2024/25.

Department for Transport Road Maintenance Ratings

The Panel received an information note regarding the Department for Transport's (DfT) new traffic-light rating system for local highway authorities. Hertfordshire County Council received an overall 'Amber' rating, placing it 19th out of 154 authorities nationally, narrowly missing the 'Green' category.

Chris Allen-Smith explained that this rating was based on data from 2024/25 and acknowledged that the methodology was new and had been released without prior consultation with local authorities, leading to concerns about data consistency and interpretation. The council's 'Amber' rating was influenced by lower scores in the condition of unclassified roads (U-roads) and the way preventative maintenance spend was categorised.

While HCC performed well in the 'Capital Spend' scorecard (achieving Green), the 'Condition' and 'Best Practice' scorecards were rated Amber. The council is actively engaging with the DfT to refine the system and improve future ratings. Key areas for improvement identified include enhancing the condition of unclassified roads and ensuring the council's sophisticated, long-term approach to preventative maintenance is better reflected in the scoring. The introduction of the new PAS 2161 standard for road condition monitoring from April 2026 is expected to improve data consistency and comparability.

Trial of the 'One Visit, More Impact' Approach to Fixing Potholes

A verbal progress report was given on the ongoing trial of an alternative approach to fixing potholes, aiming for a 'one visit, more impact' strategy. Chris Allen-Smith explained that the trial, currently in its third phase, is using the 'Roadmender' process, which involves pouring hot liquid asphalt over a larger area to bind frayed edges and create a more durable repair.

The trial has been expanded to include three Roadmender crews working across the county until the end of March 2026. Works have also been piloted on concrete roads with delaminating asphalt surfaces. The process has shown promising results in terms of durability and efficiency, with a focus on keeping unit costs down. To date, 437 potholes have been filled, covering 6,600 square metres of road.

The Panel discussed the effectiveness of Roadmender, particularly on concrete roads, and the potential for it to fill dips. It was noted that Roadmender is not a silver bullet and its suitability depends on the specific road conditions, with whole road resurfacing being a more cost-effective option for extensive damage. The council is working to integrate this approach into its strategies by identifying the right tool for the right job, the right treatment on the right road at the right time.

The trial is also exploring ways to maximise crew efficiency by concentrating works in specific areas to minimise travel time and downtime. The speed at which the repaired surface can be driven over is a significant advantage, reducing disruption. The council is also investigating the potential for using more sustainable materials and methods in the future.

The Panel was invited to note the update, with a full report to follow once all data is available.

The meeting also included the confirmation of the minutes from the previous meeting held on 29 January 2026, and noted that there were no public petitions received.