Potholes have become one of the most pressing issues on UK roads, with a record number of pothole repairs being undertaken annually. According to the latest figures from the Annual Local Authority Road Maintenance (ALARM) survey, two million potholes were filled in 2022/23 alone – a 43% increase from the previous year. This surge in pothole repairs highlights the growing pressure local authorities are under to address the deteriorating state of our roads, while also balancing the need for speed and quality in their repairs.
Meeting the growing demand for pothole repairs
The statistics surrounding pothole-related damage are stark. Research by the RAC has shown that pothole-related breakdowns, including suspension issues and damaged wheels, are at a 15-year high. The growing concern is echoed by drivers, with potholes now being considered the fastest-growing issue on the roads, ahead of concerns like texting at the wheel and drink driving.
With potholes becoming a serious threat to vehicle safety, it is no surprise that local authorities are under immense pressure to respond swiftly. The ALARM survey revealed that potholes account for approximately 70% of all reported road defects. Local councils are struggling to meet the growing demand for repairs, with delays of up to 18 weeks reported in some areas. Effective materials and innovative technology, such as the JCB PotholePro, offers new approaches to addressing this growing backlog.
The JCB PotholePro
One example of collaborative expertise driving new technology is Tarmac’s collaboration with JCB in 2023 introduced a highly efficient and innovative way to address potholes. The JCB PotholePro is a single-machine solution that can carry out every step of the pothole repair process – from cutting the defect and cropping the edges, to cleaning the hole – all without the need for additional manual intervention. This all-in-one solution reduces the number of workers needed on-site, improving safety and efficiency.
The JCB PotholePro is equipped with a 600mm-wide planer, which enables operators to plane an entire carriageway from the kerb without repositioning. It also features an integrated dust suppression system, a sweeper, and a hydraulic cropping tool, all of which allow operators to prepare potholes with precision and minimal disruption to traffic.
Efficient asphalt for quick and durable repairs
While the JCB PotholePro provides a cutting-edge solution for large-scale pothole repairs, Tarmac also offers effective materials for smaller-scale repairs. For instance, Tarmac’s Ultipatch Pothole is designed for quick, permanent repairs, even in challenging weather conditions. Thanks to its modern binder technology, it can be compacted easily and is BBA HAPAS approved. This makes Ultipatch an ideal solution for smaller potholes and helps local authorities meet their immediate repair needs with minimal disruption.
One of the key benefits of Ultipatch Pothole is its ability to be opened to traffic almost immediately after application, reducing downtime and improving productivity for highway teams. This contrasts with more traditional methods, such as full resurfacing, which can take hours to complete and requires extended road closures.
Demonstrating the impact
Tarmac’s civil engineering business, Riney, has been actively leading the way and using the JCB PotholePro across London, achieving impressive results. Since the machine was introduced on 22nd April 2024, it has completed 3,213 pothole repairs over 172 working shifts. During this period, the team has covered a total of 22,664m² of road and repaired an average of 132m² per day.
Tarmac’s commitment to improving pothole repair efficiency is further evidenced by their use of thermal repair methods. Between 30th September and 20th December 2024, the team completed 787 pothole repairs using thermal technology, covering 2,479m² in just 55 working shifts. This was achieved with an average repair rate of 45m² per day.
In addition to these innovations, Tarmac also offers high-quality reinstatement solutions for first-time repairs, using premium materials such as Ultilayer for complete reinstatement.
Balancing Speed with Long-Term Quality
The need for fast pothole repairs is undeniable, but the ultimate goal must also be to ensure lasting road quality. While quick fixes like the JCB PotholePro and Ultipatch Pothole are helping to tackle the immediate backlog, longer-term solutions are still necessary to prevent the recurrence of potholes. Reinstatement solutions like Ultilayer offers a more durable approach, ensuring that roads remain in good condition for years to come.
As local authorities continue to address the pothole crisis, a balanced approach will be essential, combining the speed and efficiency of new technology with the long-term durability of premium materials. Tarmac’s continued advancement in innovative solutions such as the JCB PotholePro and Ultipatch Pothole will help ensure that roads across the UK are kept in a safe and serviceable condition, despite the growing challenges posed by potholes.
