UK: Pothole-free guarantee for five years?

Contractors and utilities companies in the UK could be guaranteeing roads to be pothole-free for five years, according to new proposals. At the moment, the guarantee is two years but the Department for Transport is conducting an eight-week public consultation on the subject. Street Works UK, which represents the utilities sector, argues that the an increase is not needed. The department is also seeking more innovation into how to better repair potholes, such as using asphalt with a higher bitumen c
March 12, 2019 Read time: 2 mins
Pothole panic: Contractor guarantee against potholes could rise from two to five years

Contractors and utilities companies in the UK could be guaranteeing roads to be pothole-free for five years, according to new proposals.

At the moment, the guarantee is two years but the Department for Transport is conducting an eight-week public consultation on the subject.

Street Works UK, which represents the utilities sector, argues that the an increase is not needed.

The department is also seeking more innovation into how to better repair potholes, such as using asphalt with a higher bitumen content.

Last October the UK government promised local authorities in England an extra €488 million to repair damaged roads and to keep bridges safe.

The Asphalt Industry Alliance, many of whose members repair potholes, has claimed that one in five local roads in England and Wales is in a poor condition. The groups also says that more than €9 billion is needed to make the repairs.

Maintenance

Related Content

  • Pothole problem in UK
    February 28, 2012
    The UK's Road Surface Treatment Association (RSTA) is voicing concern over moves by one London Borough to downgrade the importance of road repairs.
    Read More
  • E&E Event in Vienna: Transforming bitumen
    November 25, 2022
    The recent E&E Event in Vienna suggests that decarbonisation, digitalisation and diversification are fast changing the road paving sector, reports Kristina Smith.
    Read More
  • UK asphalt market: 'turning lower'
    February 29, 2012
    The UK asphalt market increased by over 5% in 2010 but the market has already started to turn lower, claims industry experts BDS Marketing Research, which is forecasting volumes to be around 1% lower in the current year
    Read More
  • New tests, new technology, new users: why materials testing is a growing market
    February 7, 2017
    A look back at some of the developments this year, and a look ahead to what may come next reveals the increasing use of materials testing. New technology and new ways to process and analyse data will drive change even further - Kristina Smith reports For materials testing equipment manufacturers, constant change is business as usual. New tests emerge, new standards are written and new practices spread around regions and the world. There are also new materials to deal with: bitumen modified with polymers
    Read More

Highlighted Content