New regulations have come into force for an inspection regime designed to improve the standard of resurfacing carried out by utility companies after roadworks.
The UK Government argued the new performance-based programme could potentially prevent thousands of potholes from developing in the future.
Currently, it said about 30% of utility companies’ works were inspected, regardless of how well they are carried out. Under the new programme, companies will be assessed on the quality of their road repairs, with the best companies inspected less and the worse-performing companies inspected more, based on their performance.
Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: “We’re investing more than £5.5 billion over this Parliament to maintain roads up and down the country, and today’s measures are yet another example of how this government is on the side of motorists and other road users, leaving no stone unturned in the fight against the plague of potholes.”
Reacting to the announcement, RAC head of roads policy Nicholas Lyes said: “Potholes not only cause expensive damage to vehicles but are potentially lethal to those on two wheels.
“Utility companies have a responsibility to ensure roads are properly repaired after carrying out essential maintenance, but unfortunately far too many roads are left in a substandard condition.
“Introducing new regulations to encourage repairs to be done to a higher standard first time around will benefit all road users.”