The Transport Secretary has reaffirmed the government’s manifesto commitment to fix up to one million more potholes a year as she visited Blackpool.
Transport Secretary Louise Haigh met with road workers and councillors to see first-hand the extensive work being undertaken to tackle the pothole plague and learn how high-definition imagery is used to spot defects and speed up repairs.
Blackpool’s Project Amber scheme uses an advanced imagery system that takes high-definition images of roads to detect potholes and compile data on areas most in need of repair. It is hoped systems like these can be replicated across the country, helping to repair England’s neglected roads and save money for drivers and councils.
The Transport Secretary has pledged to deliver for drivers with wider plans to tackle the rising cost of car insurance, accelerate the roll out of electric vehicle charge points, and deliver a new road safety strategy to reduce tragic deaths and injuries on our roads.
“For too long, this country has suffered from a pothole plague,” she said. “Our roads have become a constant and visible reminder of the decline in our country’s infrastructure, which stunts economic growth.
“From drivers to bikers to cyclists, everyone who uses our roads deserves a safe and pleasant journey. That’s why I’ve pledged to support local authorities to fix up to one million more potholes per year.
“Blackpool Council are already doing fantastic work to make the most of new technology to repair potholes faster. This should be a model for every community to learn from and help deliver the roads their drivers deserve, so that Britain can get moving.”
Launched in 2019 by the Local Council Roads Innovation Group, Blackpool was the first local authority to use this technology to repair its roads.
Since 2019 Blackpool has seen significant reductions in its compensation bill for pothole related pay outs. In previous years it was paying up to £1.5 million a year to settle claims. Last year it only paid out £719.
The government will set out how it will achieve its manifesto road resurfacing commitment at the Spending Review.
