Pothole mapping scheme launched

THE government has launched what it is claiming is a ‘first-of-its-kind’ audit of the state of potholes on the UK’s roads. The review is going to be boosted by on-road business, such as Uber and Deliveroo.

The Department for Transport (DfT) will be working with Gaist, a highway data, and mapping company, and a host of businesses such as Uber, Deliveroo, Tesco, and Ocado. These companies will be used alongside local highway authorities to identify ‘pothole hot-spots’ where dangerous and damaging potholes persist.

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The idea is that with so many eyes on the UK’s roads and the backing of the Gaist road-mapping network, which provides high-res images of the road surface, the DfT can pinpoint the worst-hit areas in the UK. Once a full picture is built of the state of the UK’s roads, the DfT can best choose where the funds need to be spent.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said:

“I want our roads to be as safe as possible, so during the lockdown, we’ve resurfaced hundreds of miles of road. But now I want to go further by identifying critical potholes and ensuring these are fixed as quickly as possible.

“We’re teaming up with delivery companies, who know the roads well, in order to map out where remaining potholes exist and then relentlessly target them with our record £2.5 billion to pothole repair fund.

“Better road surfaces benefit motorists and cyclists alike ensuring the back to school and work environment is safer for everyone.”

Charlie Wren, Director of Operations at Deliveroo, said:

“Deliveroo riders go above and beyond to bring people the food they love and this is a great way to make sure they and other road users are safe on the road. We’re looking forward to working with the government on this important scheme to help make the roads safer for Deliveroo riders and others.”