New machinery to fix potholes put to the test across Leicestershire after 5,000 repairs in past six months
A new machine is being tested by Leicestershire County Council to fix pot holes in minutes.
After fixing more than 5,000 potholes in the past six months, the council began trialling the JCB Pothole Pro machine to see if it could help improve both the efficiency and effectiveness of road maintenance work.
The JCB Pothole Pro removes and cleans the road surface to get it ready for maintenance crews to repair the hole.
Dan Harrison, leader of Leicestershire County Council, said: "Keeping Leicestershire's roads in the best condition possible is a priority for us, which is why we're keen to explore innovative ways of working.
"This trial will help us understand whether the JCB Pothole Pro can make a real difference and support the work our highways teams are already doing across the county.
Cllr Andrew Hamilton-Gray said: “We’re always looking at how we can improve the way we maintain our road network, whether that's through new technology, new techniques, new materials or finding more efficient ways of working.
"Residents rightly expect us to look after the roads and spend taxpayers' money wisely. We owe it to them to test new ideas, embrace innovation and make sure we're using the best tools available to keep Leicestershire moving."
After the trial period, the machine’s performance will be assessed against the council’s current maintenance methods.