Plans to ensure long-lasting repairs to potholes
A consultation has been launched which will look into increasing the guarantee on roadworks, so that if a pothole forms within five years, the company must return to repair it.
The 'Specification for the reinstatement of openings in highways' consultation will propose increasing the minimum guarantee from the current two years to up to five years, and will also introduce new asphalt standards, to keep roads pothole-free for longer.
Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said: "Potholes are the biggest enemy for road users and this government is looking at all options to keep our roads in the best condition.
"Road surfaces can be made worse by utility companies, so imposing higher standards on repairs will help keep roads pothole-free for longer."
The proposals also allow for new innovative surfacing to be used, such as asphalt with a high bitumen content that is easier to compact to the required density. This makes it less prone to potholing.
This consultation will last eight weeks.
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