Transport Secretary reveals pothole crackdown aiming to smooth out road woes for drivers and cyclists
Drivers and cyclists could soon enjoy smoother and safer journeys, as the Government doubles down on its pledge to tackle the nation's pothole problem.
Transport Secretary Louise Haigh reaffirmed the manifesto commitment to repair up to one million potholes annually, with renewed efforts beginning this week in Blackpool.
The pothole crisis is a nationwide headache, disrupting journeys, risking safety, and adding to maintenance costs for motorists. To address these concerns, Haigh visited Blackpool, meeting local councillors and road workers. The visit highlighted ongoing projects aimed at tackling potholes head-on, including the use of high-definition imagery to identify and speed up repairs.
Blackpool’s Project Amber is at the forefront of these efforts. The scheme employs an advanced imagery system to capture detailed images of road surfaces, pinpointing potholes and logging data to prioritise repairs. Such innovative approaches are seen as key to replicating success across the UK, ultimately improving road conditions and reducing costs for both drivers and councils.
Alongside fixing roads, Haigh has outlined a wider plan to ease pressures on drivers. The Government aims to curb rising car insurance costs, boost the roll-out of electric vehicle charging points, and introduce a fresh road safety strategy to reduce fatalities and injuries.
The overarching goal is to modernise the nation’s infrastructure, ensuring roads are not only safer but also more reliable, as part of the broader mission for growth.
Transport Secretary, Louise Haigh, said: “For too long, this country has suffered from a pothole plague. 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."
Councillor Paula Burdess, Blackpool Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Street Scene and Neighbourhoods, said: “It was great to welcome the Secretary of State Louise Haigh to Blackpool today and show her how we deal with the issues around road maintenance and potholes.
“Blackpool has always been synonymous with innovation – how we look after our roads is no different. I’m really proud that Blackpool are leading the way nationally with innovative road maintenance.
“Our highways team work extremely hard to keep the roads functioning for residents and visitors to the town. We continually strive to use new methods that are quicker and less disruptive, alongside materials that are longer-lasting and better for the environment.”
Comments