Pothole Review gives guidance on prevention as well as cure

As part of the Coalition Government’s £6m Highways Maintenance Efficiency Programme, ‘The Pothole Review’ looks at how best to fix potholes and also how to prevent them from appearing. The recommendations for Central Government, local highway authorities and the highways sector fall into three main themes: Prevention is better than cure (intervening at the right time will reduce the amount of potholes forming and prevent bigger problems later); Right First Time (do it once and get it right, rather than face continuous bills); and Clarity for the Public (local highway authorities need to communicate to the public what is being done and how it is being done).

The review investigates the issue of potholes from an engineering perspective plus explores the wider issues such as public expectations, the impact of long term maintenance strategies, decision making arrangements, the processes of reporting, prioritising and repairing, guidance and wider operational arrangements within local highways authorities.

Local transport minister Norman Baker said “We’ve given £3 billion to councils for road maintenance over the next four years but money can only go so far and the old adage rings true: prevention is indeed better than cure.

“I would urge all those involved with highways maintenance, including councillors, chief executives, local highway practitioners, those in the utility sector and contractors to adopt the approaches set out in this report, not only to make real cost savings but also to provide a high quality service that both the road user and local residents deserve.”

Matthew Lugg, president of the Association of Directors of Economy, Environment, Planning and Transport, who led the Pothole Review, said: “This Review has focused on key principles and strategies to reduce potholes in the future. There are a number of key recommendations, which when implemented by the highway sector will lead to more effective outcomes for the highway users and the economy. I would encourage all parties to take on board the recommendations. I am thankful for the help and assistance that was provided by colleagues from both the public and private sector including key stakeholder organisations.”

Further information
www.dft.gov.uk/publications/pothole-review