In this work the protective effect of layered double hydroxide (LDH) films directly grown on the surface of 2024-T3 aluminium alloy is investigated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and the scanning vibrating electrode technique (SVET). The SVET results focused on the localised nature of the corrosion process and are in agreement with the global response measured by EIS. Furthermore, the evolution of active corrosion protection rendered by LDH films is surveyed at microscale for the first time for long immersion periods in NaCl solution and in the presence of induced defects. The quantitative information provided by SVET is discussed and a parameter to describe the degree of corrosion localisation is introduced based on LDH systems. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.