UK pot hole crisis: Transport Minister Louise Haigh vows one million fixes per year after seeing cutting edge new technology

If anything is going to help get Britain 'moving', it’s improving the state of the nation’s roads, which currently cause delays and vehicle damage.  

In Blackpool, the Project Amber scheme is using an advanced imagery system that takes high-definition images of roads to detect potholes and compile data on areas most in need of repair. It is hoped systems like these can be replicated across the country, helping to repair England’s neglected roads and save money for drivers and councils.  

Transport Secretary Louise Haigh met with road workers and councillors on 26 September to see firsthand the extensive work being undertaken to tackle the problem and speed up repairs. 

Haigh rolls into town

"For too long, this country has suffered from a pothole plague," she commented. "Our roads have become a constant and visible reminder of the decline in our country’s infrastructure, which stunts economic growth.

"From drivers to bikers to cyclists, everyone who uses our roads deserves a safe and pleasant journey. That’s why I’ve pledged to support local authorities to fix up to one million more potholes per year. Blackpool Council is already doing fantastic work to make the most of new technology to repair potholes faster.

"This should be a model for every community to learn from and help deliver the roads their drivers deserve, so that Britain can get moving."

Launched in 2019 by the Local Council Roads Innovation Group, Blackpool was the first local authority to use this technology to repair its roads.  

Since then, Blackpool has seen significant reductions in its compensation bill for pothole related pay outs. In previous years it was paying out up to £1.5 million a year to settle claims. Last year it only paid out £719. 

The government will set out how it will achieve its manifesto road resurfacing commitment at the Spending Review.

Jonathan Walker, Logistics UK's Head of Cities and Infrastructure Policy responded: “Potholes cost the UK’s economy billions of pounds each year due to delays and vehicle damage, so our members welcome any coordinated plans to address this problem. 

"Long-term funding is needed to address the huge backlog in road repairs, while work on the worst routes must be delivered swiftly.

“We look forward to hearing how the government will meet its manifesto commitment to fix our broken roads at the Spending Review.”

Published On: 03/10/2024 13:40:00

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