Alternative approach to pothole repairs to begin trial in Hertfordshire
From today, and for the next ten days, the scheme will be put to the test on residential roads
Hertfordshire County Council has announced a new trial aimed at improving the efficiency and effectiveness of pothole repairs on residential roads.
As part of the new administration’s 100-day plan, the council will test a “one visit, more impact” approach between today (23 June) and 4 July in selected areas of the county.
The trial will take place in Abbots Langley, Leavesden, Garston, and part of North Watford, with the potential for a wider rollout if the approach proves effective and cost-efficient.
Under the new method, highways crews will not only repair the most severe potholes but will also assess the surrounding section of road for potential future problems—and fix those during the same visit.
The goal is to deliver longer-lasting repairs, reduce overall costs, minimise disruption for residents, and improve road safety.
The crews will use the Roadmender machine during the trial. This equipment uses asphalt to repair potholes and other road damage before sealing the area, similar to applying a plaster, which helps protect against further deterioration.
Cllr Stephen Giles-Medhurst, Cabinet Member for Highways at Hertfordshire County Council, said: “We know potholes and the condition of our roads matters to our residents, and our job is to make sure that they can travel around the county as safely and with as little disruption as possible.
"Potholes are of particular concern to cyclists, so ensuring as many at one spot are done at the same time is important.
"By trialling this new approach, we hope to have more impact in one visit than we have had in the past. Whatever we learn from these two weeks will help us work up new approaches to this national problem and improve everyday journeys for our residents.”
The council hopes that the trial will inform a new model for road maintenance that better serves the public and addresses the long-standing issue of potholes across the county.