Govt offers pothole prevention advice

Date: 11/4/2012

The government has released advice to local authorities on how they can better tackle the problem of potholes on their roads.

Published as part of the £6 million Highways Maintenance Efficiency Programme, the Pothole Review offers tips on both fixing the issue and preventing the hazards from appearing in the first place.

There are three main themes to the document, the first of which is the idea that prevention is better than cure.

Authorities have also been told to get anti-pothole initiatives right first time, as well as ensuring there is clarity for the public on the matter.

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."

He urged any groups involved in road maintenance, such as highway practitioners and councillors, to follow the suggestions in the document very carefully.

According to potholes.co.uk, the hazards cause up to one in five mechanical car failures on the UK's roads and cost motorists as much as £320 million every year.

Posted by Mary Treen