The Government has launched a new project to ‘paint the most comprehensive picture ever’ of where funding is most needed to make sure roads are not plagued by potholes.
The ‘first-of-its-kind’ audit into the mapping of potholes in England will see the DfT work with Gaist, a highway data and mapping company, using data provided by on-road businesses such as Deliveroo, Uber, Tesco and Ocado.
The aim is to identify pothole hot-spots and enable the Government to better target improvements so that roads are in ‘top condition’ as people return to work and school.
The launch of the project comes as new data reveals that highway maintenance works undertaken in the past months, when roads were quieter during lockdown, has led to 319 miles of resurfacing.
Grant Shapps, transport secretary, 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.”
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