Road surface defects
Carriageways (Road surface)
This page provides information about the different types of road surface defects that can occur on carriageways across Staffordshire’s public highway network.
Under the Highways Infrastructure Asset Management Policy (HIAMP), a carriageway refers to a surfaced right of way intended for use by vehicles and maintained at public expense.
Staffordshire County Council is responsible for over 6,200km of carriageways, including lay-bys and bus lanes.
Common road surface defects
Defects may be reported by the public or identified during routine and reactive inspections. These include:
- Deep potholes
- Shallow potholes
- Surface deterioration
- Edge failure
- Cracking and crazing
- Rutting and subsidence
Investment vs pothole repairs
Most roads were built in the mid-20th century. Since then, traffic volumes have increased, but investment has not kept pace.
Pothole repairs are often necessary but are not a sustainable long-term solution. When a road surface reaches the end of its life, a structural maintenance scheme is required to replace the surface and its foundations.
Preventative maintenance treatments and structural renewals offer better value for money and help preserve road quality.
For details on how schemes are identified and prioritised, visit the asset investment page.
Current Funding and Investment (2024–2026)
- Government Grants:
- £28.9 million allocated for local highway maintenance in 2024/25.
- £39.4 million allocated for 2025/26 (an increase of £10.5 million).
- £10.5 million specifically earmarked for pothole repairs in 2025/26 from central government.
Pothole action fund
- 2025/26: £10,500,000 allocated for pothole repairs (central government funding).
- 2024/25: £8,000,000 allocated for potholes and drainage improvements (local council initiative).
Types of road surface defects
Potholes
Potholes are sharp-edged holes caused by water penetrating cracks and weakening the road foundation over time.
Deep potholes
These require urgent attention and are prioritised for repair.
Other potholes
Not all potholes require immediate repair. Priority depends on depth, location, and traffic volume.
Cracking
Cracks may indicate partial or total failure of the road surface layers. If untreated, they can lead to potholes due to water ingress.
Crazing
Crazing appears as adjacent polygonal cracks and is a symptom of surface layer failure.
Edge failure
Common on rural roads without kerbs. The haunch (edge of the carriageway) is vulnerable to damage, especially near passing places.
For more information on road surface treatments, visit the road surface treatments page.
