Government launches pothole mapping project

An audit into the mapping of potholes in England has been launched by Transport Secretary Grant Shapps, aided by data from on-road businesses.

Seeking to better target improvements so that roads are in top condition as people return to work and school, the Department for Transport will work with highway data and mapping company Gaist, alongside local highway authorities, to identify ‘pothole hot-spots’.

It is hoped that the department will be able to paint the most comprehensive picture ever of where funding is most needed to make sure roads are not plagued by potholes. This will make roads as safe as possible as more commuters and students undertake journeys in the coming months, forming part of a wider government plan to help cyclists and motorist get back to school and work.

The launch of the review comes as new data reveals that highway maintenance works undertaken in the past months when roads were quieter during lockdown has led to 319 miles of resurfacing.

Shapps said: “I want our roads to be as safe as possible, so during the lockdown we’ve resurfaced hundreds of miles of road. But now I want to go further by identifying critical potholes and ensuring these are fixed as quickly as possible.

“We’re teaming up with delivery companies, who know the roads well, in order to map out where remaining potholes exist and then relentlessly target them with our record £2.5 billion to pothole repair fund. Better road surfaces benefit motorists and cyclists alike ensuring the back to school and work environment is safer for everyone.”