New machine aims to speed up pothole repairs in Luton
New 'jet patcher' machine is being trialled to improve road conditions
Pothole crews in Luton have been utilising a specialist spray injection patching machine, known as a 'jet patcher', over the last month to complement traditional repair methods.
This machine uses a high-pressure hose to clean, prepare, and fill potholes in a single operation, with each repair taking just minutes and being ready for traffic almost immediately.
Unlike traditional techniques, this approach does not require excavation or road closures and boasts far lower carbon emissions, all at a fraction of the usual repair costs.
The trial aligns with Luton Council's investment aimed at improving road conditions throughout the borough, with £7.2 million allocated for resurfacing roads and fixing carriageway defects this financial year.
Cllr Javed Hussain, portfolio holder for Highways said: “Potholes are frustrating for us all and the situation in Luton reflects a national picture, with many councils dealing with the impact of an extremely wet winter on their road networks."
“In the first three months of 2026 we received 801 reports of potholes. This compares to 1,017 reports for the whole of 2025 – which highlights the scale of the problem."
The trial is conducted in partnership with the council's highways contractor, VolkerHighways, and the specialist provider Velocity.
Jerry Part, Operations Director at VolkerHighways said: “The jet patcher provides a fast and efficient solution to the widespread pothole challenges affecting the UK’s highway network."
“Thanks to our collaborative partnership with Luton Council, we’re able to trial, adopt and apply best-practice techniques across a range of road-repair methods, helping us deliver cost-effective improvements for our communities."