The government has outlined plans to help fill more than three million potholes as part of a massive investment in England’s roads.

Councils across England have been allocated £168m of funding from a dedicated Pothole Repair Fund. As a condition of receiving the money local authorities are required to publish monthly progress updates on how many potholes have been repaired.

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: “Potholes are the bane of all our lives and the funding announced today is an important step in ridding our roads of this menace. But it is only one part of a massive programme of investment to get our country up to speed as part of this Government’s long-term economic plan. By building, repairing and renewing our key infrastructure we will ensure the future growth and prosperity of this country.

“All repair works have to be completed by end March 2015. We are asking all authorities who are awarded funding to pledge to use the money to help repair potholes or to ensure that they do not appear in the first place. Councils will need to publish quarterly updates so that local residents can see how many potholes or miles of resurfacing has been undertaken in their area.”