Bexley roads are worsening

Bexley’s latest Highways Maintenance Report says what residents already know. 

Our roads are getting worse. Year after year. Street after street.

Across A, B, C and residential roads, the council’s own data shows the same pattern: more roads in poor condition, fewer in good condition, and a steady slide in between. This isn’t a blip. It’s decline. Sustained, visible, undeniable.

Residents feel it every day — the cracks, the bumps, the noise. The patching. The re‑patching. The “temporary” repairs that never seem to last. Lived experience and official data now tell the same story

What the evidence makes clear

A recent Freedom of Information request from Bexley Liberal Democrats reveals three problems at the heart of the issue:

- Short‑term materials. Viafix — a cold‑lay product designed for quick, temporary fixes — is routinely used for urgent repairs.

- Long waits for permanent work. Non‑urgent repairs can sit for up to 90 days before being properly resolved.

- One contractor for everything. JB Riney Ltd handles all pothole repairs, with no alternative capacity when demand spikes.

The result is predictable: patch, delay, repeat. A system built for firefighting, not fixing.

Under the weather

The council blames the severe weather of December 2022. Weather matters. But it doesn’t explain everything.

The decline started before that winter. Neighbouring boroughs faced the same storms. They have not seen deterioration on this scale.

This is not about one cold snap. It’s about a maintenance strategy that isn’t working.

What Must Change

Residents pay for roads that are safe, durable and properly maintained. To deliver that, Bexley needs a different approach — one based on clarity, honesty and long‑term planning:

- Transparency at ward level, so residents can see what’s happening on their streets

- A costed, public plan to clear the backlog and restore roads to a good standard

- Straight answers, not reassurance without evidence

- Right‑first‑time repairs, not endless patching that wastes time and money

Good roads aren’t optional. They’re essential - for buses, school runs, cycling, walking, emergency access, and everyday life.

We’ll keep pushing for transparency, accountability and a long‑term strategy that puts residents first. If you have photos or examples from your street, share them. Real‑world evidence strengthens the case for change.