Pothole repair machine competition ends in a draw

A competition run by a council to find out which pothole filling machine was most efficient has resulted in – a draw.

Gloucestershire County Council ran trials with the JCB Pothole Pro, the Spray Injection Patching, the Roadmender and the Bobcat over the last few months.

"Trials have now concluded and have discovered that the machines all have their strengths and are suited to different sites and road conditions," said the council.

The council said it would continue to use the Roadmender after it performed well "for quality and speed of repairs" but would also go on using the Spray Injection Patching and the Bobcat machines.

Councillor Stephen Davies, leader of Gloucestershire County Council, said: "We're using new technology to transform highways services.

"I'm delighted with the results of the trial and we'll continue to innovate because we're dedicated to improving your streets."

Following trials, the council said it will continue to invest in proactive pothole repairs and have more teams fixing smaller potholes before they develop into safety hazards.

Further trials continue, including tests of cold material for road repairs to reduce waste and save energy.

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