Skip to main content

Bid to solve pothole problem

The UK now has new guidance designed to ensure that when utilities companies dig up the road surface, they leave proper repairs once the work is complete. It is estimated that poorly replaced road surfaces mean there are around 90,000 remedial works each year, adding inconvenience to motorists and cyclists. Many of the road repairs are not properly carried out, increasing the risk of potholes forming and further defects. This significantly increases the risk of accidents and of damage to vehicles. The new l
July 3, 2012 Read time: 2 mins
Road repairs not properly carried out increase the risk of potholes forming. This pothole, showing exposed wires to the traffic lights, is on a busy London road
The UK now has new guidance designed to ensure that when utilities companies dig up the road surface, they leave proper repairs once the work is complete.

It is estimated that poorly replaced road surfaces mean there are around 90,000 remedial works each year, adding inconvenience to motorists and cyclists.

Many of the road repairs are not properly carried out, increasing the risk of potholes forming and further defects. This significantly increases the risk of accidents and of damage to vehicles.

The new legislation is intended to reduce the chances of potholes developing as well as cutting down the risk that the road will have to be replaced a second time.

The UK government has set out a package of measures over the last nine months to reduce disruption caused by road works. These include proposals to increase the charges for companies whose works overrun by a factor of ten, as well as to improve signage and protection of sites and for a tougher street works inspection regime. In addition, the 5432 Department for Transport has introduced more rigorous testing and training for those who dig up the road as well as approving the first two street works permit schemes to help councils coordinate and manage works on their roads.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Airport runway rebuild at Bologna
    May 15, 2019
    Rebuilding a runway requires special attention to detail to maximise efficiency and safety Airport runways face special challenges with regard to the loads they carry on a daily basis, particularly when aircraft are landing. A modern jet aircraft will typically land at speeds of around 240-260km/h, with a laden 747 weighing as much as 265tonnes at the end of a long flight. The stresses these large aircraft place on runway surfaces are enormous and not just with the massive impact forces exerted during
  • Weigh in motion and ANPR techology aid highway protection
    April 10, 2012
    Weigh-in-motion technology manufacturers have been involved in a number of significant highways tolling projects across the world in recent months, while others are looking to become involved in major new initiatives. Guy Woodford reports. The continuing global economic crisis did not prevent UK-based TDC Traffic Systems from recently securing the prized US$2.84million (€2.14million) contract to supply 20 high speed weigh-in-motion (WIM) systems for overweight pre-selection and enforcement in Saudi Arabia
  • Hamm is investing in compaction equipment and manufacturing
    January 7, 2015
    The Wirtgen Group has invested heavily in its Hamm compaction equipment business - Mike Woof writes New compaction models and a brand new factory are strong examples of how the Wirtgen Group has been investing heavily in its Hamm road roller operation. Four new compactors are being launched, two each for the soil compaction and asphalt compaction markets. The company is launching the new H5i and H7i single drum soil compactors as well as the DV+70i and DV+90i twin drum asphalt compactors.
  • Data sharing boosts workzone safety
    March 19, 2012
    Faster and safer utilities works are the benefit of innovative data sharing moves – Mike Woof writes. Utilities works in urban areas can cause major problems with regard to traffic congestion, as well as posing key safety issues for road users and site workers. Better planning of utilities operations can help tackle congestion and prevent jams, while also ensuring that on-site personnel have a safer working environment. To ensure that site workers know the exact location of buried utilities, comprehensive m