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

  • Profiling software assesses driver risk factors
    February 9, 2012
    The UK's Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) is now offering an updated version of its Driver Profiler package. Called Driver Profiler 20:20, this package is designed to assess whether a driver is a low, medium or high-risk by measuring psychometric, demographic and behavioural factors that influence safety. Using the package allows firms to identify drivers in need of further training and make informed decisions as to what is required. The system makes it possible to target specific train
  • IRF Geneva highlights making roads safe: a priority for all
    May 15, 2014
    IRF Geneva’s Susanna Zammataro highlights the importance of the Federation’s ongoing commitment to the work of the United Nations Road Safety Collaboration, with which she serves as co-chair of the project group dedicated to Safer Roads and Mobility On 10th April, the United Nations General Assembly was due to discuss a new global road safety resolution. For those who might dismiss this as just another piece of paper condemned to sit on government shelves and gather dust, this a reminder of a few facts
  • Digital cameras and VMS improve London and Scottish road safety
    March 18, 2016
    London and Scotland are using VMS and digital cameras to successfully lower road deaths. Road safety measures such as variable message signs (VMS) and digital cameras have boosted road safety in the UK capital London and also in the Scottish Highlands. And the systems need not be a drain on electricity supplies. Full matrix driver information signs from SWARCO Traffic, one of the UK’s leading traffic management technology providers, are being installed for the first time across the Transport for London (TfL
  • Total Styrelf tests start in England
    April 15, 2021
    Resurfacing has started with Total Styrelf eXtreme 100 and Total Styrelf Long Life binders.