This research project from Create Streets conducted four analyses of public priorities and preferences – national polling, ranking analysis, Reform intending swing voters and place analysis in Blackpool – to understand what people really think about their streets and how to improve them.
The report showed that while potholes matter, people of all parties agree on street improvements such as better pavements and safer pedestrian crossings, improving train stations, and better buses. Road widening is also unpopular, with voters from all parties preferring traffic reduction to removing pavements, fields or street greenery.
Across supporters of all parties the overwhelming lesson was one of profound consistency. In an age in which we are fracturing, street design and public transport is one issue where Britons can find agreement. — Beyond potholes report
The report was released in September 2026 and focuses on the ten key lessons for the UK government emerging from the report findings:
- People of all parties agree on street improvement schemes
- Create attractive pavements and fix street scars
- Clean streets and remove obstacles
- Close the ‘Zebra crossing divide’
- Road widening is not very popular
- Train stations can revive civic pride
- It’s time for trams
- Buses matter. Let’s boost them
- Make buses and bus stops nice
- Give people more choice in how they move about