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

  • Nuphalt is well-prepared to meet the growing challenge for road repairs
    November 21, 2023

    2023 is proving to be a great year for the Nuphalt Group. Beginning in January with a move into their brand-new, purpose-built facility in Rugby, UK, utilising new mezzanine floors (increased manufacturing space by 50%), adding state-of-the-art laser cutting equipment and, of course, bringing everything under one roof. And with 100 kW of PV solar power up there, that’s no ordinary roof! The move to a more self-sufficient premises is all part of Nuphalt’s vision for a greener future.

  • The cost of crashes in the US
    May 25, 2023
    The financial cost of road crashes in the US places a heavy burden
  • Safety barriers offer positive workzone protection
    February 10, 2012
    A road project in Utah has benefited from the use of effective barrier protection during construction. *Paul Grant reports An upgraded section of road from 3500 South in West Valley City, Utah, is now open to traffic. The link was completely rebuilt by Utah DoT (UDOT) from the Bangerter Highway to 2700 West, and the road carries traffic from West Valley toward downtown Salt Lake City and the University of Utah. The work added two centre lanes, which are now the first dedicated Bus Rapid Transit lanes in Uta
  • Deciding whether to buy new or used equipment
    May 20, 2015
    Customers can face the choice of buying used or new equipment – Dan Gilkes writes. The decision to buy either new or used equipment is almost as old as the construction plant market itself. However some of the reasons for choosing between the two might well be changing, to meet new demands from customers across the world and to cope with a changing supply base. Ever more stringent emissions legislation in Europe, the US and Japan, rapidly developing emerging markets that want the productivity of the latest