Leicestershire County Council is set to trial the JCB Pothole Pro as part of its drive to improve roads, deliver better value for money and explore innovation from British businesses.
The council visited JCB this week to see the machine in action and meet the team behind the technology, including apprentices helping to develop and deliver the company’s engineering work.
The free trial will give the county council the opportunity to assess how the equipment could work on Leicestershire’s road network before any decisions are made about longer-term use or procurement.
Leicestershire has fixed around 10,000 potholes over the past year, and that number is continuing to grow after a £2.5m investment into highways maintenance and speeds up inspections and repairs caused by the wettest winter on record.
The authority is also looking at how new techniques, equipment and materials can support its existing highways teams, helping to keep roads safe, moving and maintained as efficiently as possible.
“We were delighted to spend time at JCB and meet some of the apprentice team, who showed the grit, hard work and ambition that sits behind British engineering.
“This is about doing business with British business, supporting local industry and being part of something that keeps jobs, skills and innovation in this country."
Person:Council leader Councillor Dan Harrison
“We’re creating a better Leicestershire and that means better roads and better value for money. Testing the latest innovation is part of that, and we’re looking forward to trialling a Pothole Pro in Leicestershire with the experts at JCB.
“But this is a trial, not a decision to buy. We need to see how it performs on our roads, how it supports our teams and whether it offers the right value for Leicestershire residents.”
Person:Cabinet member for highways, Councillor Andrew Hamilton-Gray
The trial will take place over a couple of days this autumn.