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

  • Safe road barrier innovations
    March 8, 2012
    New road barrier concepts offer major gains in highway safety.
  • Maximising cone crusher efficiency
    September 30, 2013
    Ensuring efficient cone crusher operation can deliver major economies of scale for quarrying facilities There are a number of ways in which cone crusher throughput can be optimised. One of the key issues is in keeping the system choke fed during operation, as this maximises the effectiveness of rock-on-rock crushing, extends the wear life of manganese components and ensures a quality product shape. A lack of feed causes inconstant loading, which affects the long-term life of internal components.
  • ACO curbs the rain
    November 20, 2023

    ACO says its KerbDrain CycleKerb drainage solution for bike lanes in England meets LTN 1/20 standards while making travel safer for all cycle lane users.

    Local Transport Note 1/20 (LTN 1/20) sets out minimum standards for English local authorities and highway engineers when implementing new cycle infrastructure. It includes, but is not limited to, cycle crossings and junctions, cycle lanes, cycle tracks, cycle networks and cycle parking.

  • Tajikistan tunnel repair work
    February 11, 2021
    Repair work is planned for Tajikistan’s Istiqlol tunnel.