Devon County Council’s Cabinet has agreed to allocate an additional £3 million for highways reactive maintenance in the current financial year.
The council’s decision today, (Wednesday 11 March), reflects the severe winter weather experienced across Devon and the impact this has had on the county’s extensive road network.
The additional funding will help address the increased maintenance pressures created by winter weather and recent storms, supporting work to repair potholes, respond to winter damage and deal with the effects of storm conditions.
Winter weather has led to a significant increase in highways reactive work across the county. For example, reported potholes in February 2026 were 9,700 – 90% higher than the same period last year.
Current projections indicate that an additional £3 million will be required this year to respond to increased demand for pothole repairs, winter gritting and storm recovery work following storms Goretti, Ingrid and Chandra.
This includes emergency works to protect coastal properties at Slapton, Torcross and Beesands.
This investment comes alongside the significant increase in highways funding already agreed for the year ahead. As part of the 2026–27 budget approved by Full Council, the council has committed:
- Over £36 million for highways maintenance, an increase of £6 million compared with the previous year.
- More than £100 million in capital investment for preventative maintenance.
Councillor James Buczkowski, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for finance, said:
“Devon has one of the largest road networks in the country, and periods of severe winter weather inevitably take their toll. The additional £3 million agreed today will help address the pressures created by storms and winter conditions across the network.
“It also sits alongside the significant increase in highways funding we have already agreed for next year, including over £36 million for highways maintenance and more than £100 million for preventative maintenance on our roads.
“Maintaining Devon’s roads is essential for residents, businesses and rural communities who rely on them every day. This additional funding will help us respond to the pressures of winter while continuing to increase investment in the years ahead.”
Devon County Council maintains around 8,000 miles of roads, one of the largest highway networks managed by any local authority in England.