This document has been produced by North Tyneside Council to support our annual submission to the Department for Transport (DfT) as part of the Local Highway Maintenance Funding 2025/26 incentive funding requirements. The purpose of this report is to provide a transparent, structured account of our current asset management processes, maintenance investment, performance monitoring, and forward planning.
It has been designed to meet the requirements of the Incentive Fund guidance. The information presented reflects our local priorities, approach to risk-based efficient delivery of our highway maintenance, and our alignment with national codes of practice, including Well-Managed Highway Infrastructure (WMHI).
The content includes summary data on network condition, maintenance expenditure, public engagement, innovation, and climate resilience. Where relevant, we have also included additional information beyond the DfT’s minimum requirements to demonstrate added value and our commitment to continuous improvement.
This report has been prepared by the highways maintenance service in consultation with senior officers and relevant portfolio holders. As well as meeting DfT reporting requirements, it also serves to improve transparency for our stakeholders, elected members, and residents. By clearly setting out how we manage, maintain, and invest in our network, we aim to provide a consistent and evidence-based account of our activities and priorities, supporting ongoing accountability and engagement.
Public-facing Transparency Report
This section provides a summary of our highways maintenance approach, investment, and performance for transparency and public accountability. It is intended to meet the Department for Transport’s Annex A requirements and demonstrates how we manage and maintain our network in line with national guidance and local priorities.
1. Our highway network
This table shows the current lengths of highway, footways, PROW and cycleways maintained by the authority.
| Lengths of highway, footways, PROW and cycleways (km) | ||||||
| A Road | B and C roads | U roads | Total Roads | Footways | Other Public rights of way | Cycleways |
| 104 km | 72 km | 722 km | 898 km | 1700 km | 147 km | 89 km |
1.1 Our wider Highway Network asset inventory
This table gives a summary of the non-carriageway assets we currently maintain, based on our latest inventory data.
| Unit | Quantity | Notes | |
| Structures (e.g. bridges) | count | 95 | * includes footbridges (both highway and PROW) |
| Retaining Walls | count | 73 | |
| Subways | count | 19 | |
| Tunnels | count | 1 | |
| Street lighting columns | count | 29,722 | *Includes Lanterns and Columns |
| Traffic Signals | count | 198 | *Junctions, Pedestrian crossings |
| Drainage Gullies | count | 35,396 | Regularly inspected and maintained |
| Culverts | count | 41 | |
| Grit Bins | count | 244 | *Located across the network for Winter Service Provision |
2. Maintenance spending
2.1 – Highway Maintenance Spending Figures
The table below sets out our capital and revenue spending on highway maintenance over recent years (2020/21 – 2025/26), including the split between preventative and reactive activities.
| Year | Capital allocated by DfT (£000s) | Capital spend (£000s) | Revenue spend (£000s) | Estimate of % spent on preventative maintenance | Estimate of % spent on reactive maintenance |
| 2020/21 | £2,819 | £4,819 | £1,264 | 88% | 12% |
| 2021/22 | £2,819 | £4,819 | £1,264 | 88% | 12% |
| 2022/23 | £2,819 | £4,819 | £1,264 | 88% | 12% |
| 2023/24 | £3,320 | £5,320 | £1,264 | 89% | 11% |
| 2024/25 | £3,177 | £5,177 | £1,317 | 88% | 12% |
| 2025/26 (projected) | £4,527 | £6,527 | £1,317 | 90% | 10% |
2.2 – Additional Information on Spending
In the 2024/25 financial year, North Tyneside Council allocated approximately £6,494k of its capital and revenue maintenance funding (£4,494k of DfT funding and £2,000k of North Tyneside Council Capital funding) to a mix of preventative (capital) and reactive (revenue) maintenance, with a strategic focus on increasing the proportion allocated to planned, cost-effective works. The North Tyneside Council Capital funding helps to greatly increase the proportion of preventative maintenance that is delivered.
Preventative maintenance accounted for approximately 88% of total spend in 2024/25 and this figure is planned to increase to 90% for 2025/26, supported by an increased capital allocation. The preventative maintenance included Reconstruction, Resurfacing, Micro Surfacing, Surface Dressing, Surface treatments (Seal Sprays, Rejuvenators, Micro Asphalt and Slurry Seal), Machine Lay Carriageway Patching, and Joint Sealing Programmes, along with Signing and Lining Improvement Programmes on the A, B, C and U road networks. In 2024/25, a total of 11 km of carriageway received preventative maintenance and 2 km of footways improved. In 2025/26, North Tyneside plan to increase preventative surfacing to 13km. Capital funding is also used to support preventative maintenance across different assets including Structures, drainage and traffic assets.
Reactive maintenance accounted for 12% of total spend in 2024/25. This spend primarily covered pothole repairs, urgent carriageway and footway defect response, safety-related street lining, signing repairs, and ad hoc gully cleansing. Over the past five years, the estimated number of potholes repaired has varied from 7,612 (2020/21) to 6,045 (2024/25), highlighted in table 2.3 below, with an average of approximately 6,948 per year.
The balance between preventative and reactive maintenance is determined using a combination of condition data (e.g. AEI, visual survey, routine scheduled highway safety inspections), annual performance reviews, and local member and resident feedback. An ongoing priority is to transition the profile of spend towards planned preventative work, supported by life-cycle planning outputs in the Highways Asset Management Plan (HAMP), as a preventative maintenance strategy prolongs the life of pavement surface course layers and protects the original capital investment on these assets.
2.3 – Estimated number of potholes filled over the last 5 years
| Estimate of number of potholes filled | ||||
| 2021/22 | 2022/22 | 2022/23 | 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
| 7,612 | 7,716 | 6,832 | 6,534 | 6,045 |
It should be noted that our works ordering system does not differentiate between pothole repairs and other types of reactive bituminous carriageway repairs. As such it is not possible to generate a report showing pothole repairs only. The above figures are therefore estimates based on our best assessment of the works ordering data.
The trend over the last four years is that the requirement to fill potholes has been gradually reducing. This is an indicator that the emphasis on preventative maintenance is having an effect and is reducing the requirement for reactive maintenance.
2.4 – Maintenance Activity Overview
| Activity | 2020/21 | 2021/22 | 2022/23 | 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
| Carriageway resurfaced (km) | 7.7 | 10.88 | 7.79 | 10.6 | 8.32 |
| Carriageway preserved (km) | 5.3 | 6.84 | 6.0 | 7.8 | 2.33 |
| Patching (m2) | 0 | 0 | 576 | 1,764 | 643 |
| No. of Potholes filled | 7,612 | 7,716 | 6,832 | 6,534 | 6,045 |
| Footways improved (m2) | No Data | 7,564 | 4,880 | 4,476 | 2,906 |
| Street lights upgraded (LEDs) | 58 | 83 | 6,250 | 9,344 | 2,863 |
| Traffic signals refurbished | 0 | 11 | 10 | 3 | 1 |
3. Condition of the network
Five-year trend by road category.
3.1 A Roads condition
| Year | Percentage of A roads in each condition category | ||
| Red | Amber | Green | |
| 2020 | 2 % | 16 % | 81 % |
| 2021 | 2 % | 17 % | 81 % |
| 2022 | 3 % | N/A | N/A |
| 2023 | 13 % | 28 % | 59 % |
| 2024 | 14 % | 29 % | 57 % |
3.2 B & C Roads condition
| Year | Percentage of B and C roads in each condition category | ||
| Red | Amber | Green | |
| 2020 | 2 % | 18 % | 80 % |
| 2021 | 2 % | 20 % | 78 % |
| 2022 | 3 % | N/A | N/A |
| 2023 | 6 % | 18 % | 76 % |
| 2024 | 5 % | 17 % | 78 % |
3.3 Unclassified Road Condition
| Year | Percentage of U Roads in the Red category |
| 2020 | 4 % |
| 2021 | 5 % |
| 2022 | 6 % |
| 2023 | 11 % |
| 2024 | 10 % |
3.4 Section 3 Commentary on Local Road Condition
Road condition assessments on the local classified road network in England are currently made predominantly using Surface Condition Assessment for the National Network of Roads (SCANNER) laser-based technology.
A number of parameters measured in these surveys are used to produce a road condition indicator which is categorised into three condition categories:
• Green – No further investigation or treatment required
• Amber – Maintenance may be required soon
• Red – Should be considered for maintenance
From 2026/27 a new methodology will be used based on the BSI PAS2161 standard. Local Highway Authorities will be required to use a supplier that has been accredited against PAS2161. This new standard will categorise roads into five categories instead of three to help government gain a more detailed understanding of road condition in England. Government.
In 2023, North Tyneside made the proactive decision to move to Annual Engineering Inspections (AEI) for the classified and unclassified road network in line with DfT widening the scope for local authorities to explore different technologies.
Annual Engineering Inspection (AEI)
The Annual Engineering Inspection (AEI) is a network-level outcome based visual survey conducted by qualified highway engineers. Unlike SCANNER surveys, which assess road condition in 10-metre sub-sections, AEI evaluates entire road sections. This approach aligns with how maintenance schemes are typically planned and executed, providing a more practical basis for decision-making.
The AEI survey carries out a defect identification process to produce a Condition Index in line with DfT reporting requirements for each road section (not 10m sub sections) which can be categorised into three condition categories (similar to SCANNER):
• Green – No further investigation or treatment required
• Amber – Maintenance may be required soon
• Red – Should be considered for maintenance
The AEI survey can not only be used for reporting the Road Condition Index (RCI), but the additional benefit is that that this survey also recommends treatment types and treatment extents, These treatment categories include:
• Resurfacing – Overlay or thin surfacing and reconstructions
• Preservation – Surface dressing, micro-surfacing, or rejuvenation treatments
• Revenue – Patching, Joint sealing, Haunching works.
This methodology supports lifecycle planning and asset management by identifying cost-effective maintenance strategies. The emphasis on preservation treatments helps extend the service life of the road network and reduce long-term maintenance costs.
The change to AEI resulted in a significant jump in the red rated roads figures for all categories of road. But whilst AEI may indicate a higher proportion of the network in poor condition compared to SCANNER, this reflects its holistic, engineering-led evaluation of entire maintenance lengths. This provides a more accurate representation of maintenance needs and aligns with practical delivery on the ground and is aligned for the new PAS 2161 survey standards produced by DfT coming into effect in 2026/27.
Further details are available at https://www.gov.uk/statistical-data-sets/road-condition-statistics-data-...
4. Plans
4.1 – Overall Strategy, Best Practice and Innovation
North Tyneside Council is committed to a forward-thinking, data-led approach to highway maintenance that reflects national best practice, embraces innovation, and ensures value for money. Our highway asset management activities are aligned with long-term strategic goals and are continually reviewed to improve outcomes for residents and businesses.
Governance & Strategic Approach Our Highway Asset Management Plan (HAMP) 2017–2032 outlines the Authority’s long-term vision for maintaining and improving the local network. Informed by the Well-Managed Highway Infrastructure code of practice, it supports the ‘Our North Tyneside’ Plan and reflects resident feedback, which consistently places high value on well-maintained roads and footways. Annual reviews of the HAMP ensure it remains aligned with emerging priorities and funding conditions. In support of network resilience, we also maintain a Highway Infrastructure Resilient Network Strategy (HIRNS), ensuring priority access during extreme weather events.
Innovation, Trials and New Approaches We are committed to embedding innovation across both materials and processes. This includes trialling new surface treatments, technologies, and construction techniques with a view to improving durability, reducing environmental impact, and lowering whole-life costs. Recent trials include:
ULTILOW – a warm mix asphalt manufactured and supplied at lower temperatures than conventional hot mix asphalts
ULTIPAVE – BBA HAPAS accredited as a Clause 942 asphalt that incorporates recycled rubber from old tyres and uses warm mix asphalt technology.
MILEPAVE – a reduced carbon grouted macadam for overlaying on concrete carriageways
ROADMENDER ELASTOMAC is a hot-applied, low-carbon road repair material made with recycled tyre rubber for permanent, flexible repairs.
Data-Driven Planning and Delivery Our full carriageway network is assessed annually using AEI condition surveys, analysed via the Expert Asset platform. This supports robust, evidence-based decision-making and long-term scheme prioritisation. Surveys categorise roads by treatment need (Red, Amber, Green) and generate scheme recommendations and delivery sequences.
Safety inspections are carried out at least twice yearly and logged in the Symology system, which also manages the scheduling of responsive works. This dual system ensures that both strategic and day-to-day operational risks are addressed effectively.
Efficiency and Continuous Improvement North Tyneside Council actively seeks to improve service efficiency through internal reviews, lean systems, and digital transformation. In recent years, we have delivered the following improvements:
The introduction of AEI condition surveys for the development of the annual carriageway surfacing programme
The introduction of Kaarbontech GullySmart to manage the delivery of the gully cleansing service.
Programme Planning & Prioritisation Maintenance works are prioritised using a blend of condition data, inspector intelligence, insurance trends and elected member input. Our risk-based approach to inspections is aligned with national guidance and is delivered by LANTRA-accredited inspectors with extensive experience.
Performance Monitoring Reactive maintenance performance (such as compliance with the highway inspection regime) is reviewed monthly through Symology data, enabling early intervention where targets may be at risk. Additional resources are allocated as needed to ensure service continuity. Our overall strategy aims to maximise planned maintenance delivery and reduce dependency on reactive repairs, ensuring sustainable, long-term value for investment.
4.2 – Specific Plans for 2025/26
| Activity | 2025/26 |
| Carriageway resurfaced (km) | 6.66 |
| Carriageway preserved (km) | 6.49 |
| Patching (m2) | 1,500 |
| No. of Potholes filled (estimate) | 6,000 |
| Footways improved (m2) | 4,000 |
| Street lights upgraded (LEDs) | 1,605 |
| Traffic signals refurbished | 6 |
Split of Works: Preventative vs Reactive
| Work Type | Estimated Proportion |
| Preventative Works | 90% |
| Reactive Works | 10% |
4.3 Major schemes planned 2025/26 including any carbon-saving initiatives, or innovation pilots potentially delivered
| Scheme Name | Scope / Benefit | Estimated Completion |
| Seafront Sustainable Route | Construction of a permanent safe two-way unbroken sustainable route for pedestrians and cyclists including upgraded crossing points to improve pedestrian safety and access to the seafront; | Q2 |
| Bedford Street | Full pedestrianisation of the main shopping street in North Shields and associated public realm improvements such as tree planting, sustainable drainage, cycling improvements, new street lighting and CCTV. | Q3 |
| Saville Street | Refurbishment of footways and carriageway on a main town centre street along with other improvements such as street furniture de-cluttering. | Q4 |
| Improving sustainable travel links to the Metro | North Tyneside Council is committed to enabling more people to use active and sustainable forms of travel, including improving links between cycling and public transport. Sustainable travel schemes include South Parade, Northumberland Park and Front Street | Q1 |
| A192 Preston Road: Healthy Links to Metros | This scheme focuses on improving sustainable travel links between the A1058 Coast/Beach Road and North Shields town centre, including the new transport hub. | Q1 |
4.4 Public-Facing Information – Planned Works
We keep the public informed about planned schemed through:
The North Tyneside Council internet page that details all scheme designs / timescales and traffic management arrangements: https://my.northtyneside.gov.uk/category/747/major-projects
Resident Letters for all major schemes are delivered to all directly affected properties at least 1 week prior to any scheme starting
Scheme information boards are displayed at all times with a contact number, so that members of the public can get further information at any time.
Social media posts are created for major schemes in high-traffic areas to alert members of the public of upcoming road works and closures. These are posted on the Authority’s twitter and facebook pages: North Tyneside Council (@NTCouncilTeam) / X, North Tyneside Council | Facebook
5. Streetworks and coordination
We recognise that streetworks — whether undertaken by the council or third parties — can be disruptive to residents, businesses, and road users. Our approach focuses on minimising disruption, improving coordination, and enforcing compliance through strong planning and regulations.
5.1 Our Approach to Streetworks Management
| Aspect | What We Do |
| Coordination & Permitting | North Tyneside Council operates a permit scheme designed to manage streetworks effectively by setting specific conditions related to traffic management and temporary highway closures. This scheme helps minimise disruption by giving the council greater control over the road network, allowing for improved planning and coordination of works. |
| Planning & Collaboration | The Streetworks team also holds quarterly coordination meetings with all relevant stakeholders and utility companies, including local bus companies. These meetings enable early discussions about traffic-sensitive and high-traffic areas, ensuring better management of potential impacts. Before any major highway works commence, a site meeting is arranged between the contractor and the inspector. This meeting provides an opportunity to address any concerns, helping to prevent unnecessary disruptions and reduce the impact on the travelling public. Additionally, temporary road closures are added to the One.Network system so that all teams within the Authority can see works at any time, for example the internal events team. One.Network is freely available for local stakeholders to query and review |
| Disruption minimisation | When assessing and approving permits, North Tyneside avoids bank holidays and school holidays where possible to minimise disruption on the network unless there are emergency works required. We also restrict works to off-peak times 9.30am-3.30pm on all traffic sensitive roads, as well as requesting that traffic signals are manually controlled whilst works are on site to control the flow of traffic effectively. Embargoes are also implemented on some routes during the Christmas period or in the case of a major event. Streetworks Inspectors assess each request individually to monitor the impact of the works and any disruption. |
| Real-time monitoring | Streetworks Inspectors are on site daily to monitor all works within their area for real-time monitoring. Once works are in progress, Inspectors are required to inspect all live works to ensure permit conditions are adhered to. One.Network has a facility that shows live traffic in the borough and allows Permit Officers to monitor traffic in an area by observing the traffic through any fixed CCTV cameras. This allows our Officers to make any changes to the works or closures based on real-time traffic information. |
| Enforcement & Compliance | Streetworks Inspectors monitor and inspect all roadworks in the borough full-time. As part of North Tyneside’s permit conditions, inspections are required:Once the works are live on siteOnce the works are complete on siteWithin 6 months of the permit endingWithin 24 months after the works are completeFixed Penalty Notices are issued to all utility companies or contractors who fail to comply with the permit conditions. If any works are conducted without an approved permit, Fixed Penalty Notices will also be issued.Section 58 restrictions are put on works where resurfacing has been required. This restricts utility companies returning to the same location within 24-36 months of the new resurfacing. |
| Inspection / Testing | Streetworks Inspectors conduct multiple inspections for each permit. Since January 2025, 137 FPNs have been issued to utility companies out of a total of 3836 permits approved this year, which is 3.5%. |
5. 2 Public-Facing Information – Streetworks
We keep the public informed about planned and live roadworks through:
One.Network: this is a real-time map of works that can notify individuals, like residents and Members, with specific updates regarding any road works or closures in their area daily. The link to this website is - Causeway one.network
As part of North Tyneside permit conditions on major works, all utility companies are required to conduct a letter drop to surrounding residents and businesses to inform them of the extents of the work and the timeline.
As part of North Tyneside permit conditions on all permits, utility companies are required to display a sign at all times with the associated permit number and a contact number for the utility, so that members of the public can get further information at any time.
Social media posts are created for major schemes in high-traffic areas to alert members of the public of upcoming road works and closures. These are posted on the Authority’s twitter and facebook pages: North Tyneside Council (@NTCouncilTeam) / X, North Tyneside Council | Facebook
6. Climate and resilience
Decarbonisation and adaptation actions.
6.1 Decarbonising our Maintenance Operations
We are committed to reducing the carbon footprint of our highway maintenance activities. This section outlines the actions we are currently taking across materials, fleet, energy use, and our supply chain to support our decarbonisation objectives.
| Area of Decarbonisation | Current Activity or Plan | Carbon Benefit / Progress |
| Materials (e.g. warm mix asphalt) | Where appropriate, North Tyneside will use ULTILOW – a warm mix asphalt manufactured and supplied at lower temperatures than conventional hot mix asphalts. | Reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 15%. Also delivers a range of site safety and productivity benefits and no compromise on performance. |
| Recycled or circular materials | Where appropriate, North Tyneside will use ULTIPAVE – BBA HAPAS accredited as a Clause 942 asphalt that incorporates recycled rubber from old tyres and uses warm mix asphalt technology. | Reduces carbon emissions during production typically by around 8-10% compared to the equivalent. |
| Fleet & site emissions | The Authority fleet in 2024 consists of 411 vehicles ranging from cars to larger refuse collection vehicles. Fifteen of the smaller fleet vehicles are already electric. The Authority has a replacement programme for all of its fleet needs and works with the supply chain to assess the availability and viability of models. | CO2 Savings: 1,460.2 tonnes per year by 2028 |
| Energy use (e.g. depots, lighting) | The Authority has undertaken a range of measures, such as replacing fossil fuel boilers with air source heat pumps in some of our larger buildings, replacing internal lighting with LEDs, making changes to improve the efficiency of air handling units, replacement double glazing, and improvement to heating controls | CO2 Savings: 900 tonnes |
| Contractor/supplier decarbonisation | Our primary surfacing contractor, Tarmac Roadstone has a strategy to reduce carbon emissions by using 100% renewable electricity, electrifying operational equipment, utilizing energy efficiency, using low energy manufacturing and fuel switching, increasing recycling, using EV cars & vans and reducing the amount of CO2 intensive clinker in cement and concrete. | 30% absolute reduction by 2030 |
| Monitoring/Reporting | Montitoring/reporting is carried out in accordance with the North Tyneside Council Carbon Net-Zero 2030 Action Plan | |
| Increasing the use of preventative maintenance | Making use of AI processed condition surveying to identify maintenance priorities and maximise the use of preventative maintenance. | 2% improvement from 2024/25 to 2025/26 |
6.2. Understanding and Managing Climate Risk for our Network
We recognise the growing impact of climate change on our highway network. This section explains how we assess climate-related risks and the steps we are taking to build resilience into our assets and maintenance planning.
| Risk Area / Impact | How Risk is Assessed | Resilience Measures in Place |
| Flooding / drainage overload | North Tyneside Multi-Agency Flood Plan, Ver 1.3, Revised 03 May 2024 | Priority locations and planned responses are documented, potential road closure locations are identified, required materials and personnel are identified and multi-agency command and control is specified for major flooding events in North Tyneside. |
| Asset deterioration from heat/drought | Annual condition assessments that have been analysed by artificial intelligence. | Detailed condition assessments are provided that specify the nature and the severity of the asset deterioration and provides recommended treatments to bring the asset back up to standard. The recommended treatments include the use of polymer modified bitumens, which are better at dealing with high and low extremes of temperature. |
| Structure & embankment instability | North Tyneside Council Six Year Structures Plan | Abnormal Route Plan is specified, detailed programme of principal and general inspections is listed, outstanding maintenance works are identified. |
| Winter service & weather extremes | North Tyneside Winter Service Policy | Policy and strategy for the gritting of 240 miles of priority routes across the borough, based upon detailed daily weather forecasts, and information from road temperature sensors. Also details the locations of the grit bins that provide salt for non-priority locations. |
| Coordination with LRF or climate teams | Highway Resilient Network Strategy, Ver 1.0, Oct 2021 | Resilient network identified for events such as snow and ice, flooding, heatwaves, high winds and other incidents in order to preserve life and property, protect those who are vulnerable, provide access for emergency services, ensure the availability of food, water electricity, gas and communications and to maintain a viable economy. |