The country’s pothole plague has become a menace, slowing everyone’s journeys, putting the lives of drivers and cyclists at risk, and pushing up repair costs for hard-pressed drivers.

But, according to Transport Secretary Louise Haigh, this will change as the Government plans to fix up to a million more potholes a year.

 The Transport Secretary is pledging to support local authorities in halting the decline of the country’s road network, as she met road workers and councillors in Blackpool to see how they were tackling their pothole plague via its Project Amber scheme and learn how high-definition imagery is used to spot defects and speed up repairs.

What is the Project Amber scheme?

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 needing the most pothole repairs.

It is hoped systems like these can be replicated across the country helping repair England’s neglected roads and save money for drivers and councils.

The Transport Secretary said:  “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 Britain can get moving.”

How to get Britain moving?

As part of her mission to get Britain moving, the Transport Secretary has also pledged to tackle the soaring cost of car insurance, accelerate the rollout of electric vehicle charge points, and deliver a new road safety strategy to reduce tragic deaths and injuries on our roads. 

“Our roads have become a constant and visible reminder of the decline in our country’s infrastructure, which stunts economic growth,” she stated.

Adding, “Everyone on our roads deserves a safe and pleasant journey, and that’s why I’ve pledged to support local authorities to fix up to one million more potholes annually.”

Councillor Paula Burdess, Blackpool Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Street Scene and Neighbourhoods, said: “It was great to show the Secretary of State how we deal with the issues around road maintenance and potholes. 

“Blackpool has always been synonymous with innovation and how we look after our roads is no different. We continually strive to use new methods that are quicker and less disruptive, alongside materials that are longer-lasting and better for the environment.

 By repairing the roads at an early stage we can also avoid more costly repairs in the future and ensure our roads stay stronger for longer to create a better Blackpool. And I am  really proud that Blackpool is leading the way through our innovative road maintenance.”

Launched in 2019 by the Local Council Roads Innovation Group, Blackpool was the first local authority to use this technology to repair its roads, and since then 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, but in 2023 only paid out £719.