New tech tested to tackle potholes backlog

New ways of repairing roads more quickly are being trialled in West Yorkshire.

Leeds City Council said it was testing different technologies to tackle a "backlog of existing potholes and new road defects created by continuous rain in January and February".

Three of the pothole filling methods trialled included a high-speed spray injection, a rapid cutter and thermal patching, the authority said.

Jonathan Pryor, executive member for transport, said the machines being experimented with could "speed up" repairs to potholes, which prolonged rain had made "far more vulnerable to sudden deterioration".

The Department for Transport launched a potholes map in January to see how local authorities were tackling road repairs.

However, despite receiving a green highest-level rating, Leeds City Council has a backlog of repairs with an estimated value of £300m.

Explaining the new technologies on trial in Leeds, a council spokesperson said the Velocity pothole repair system filled potholes in less than two minutes, using a high-speed spray injection method.

They said a four-wheeled tractor unit, called the JCB Pothole Pro, utilised a three-in-one tool system to cut, clean and crop potholes, in eight minutes.

A third technology, known as thermal patching, which uses infrared heat to warm existing asphalt and re-bond it, would begin testing in spring 2026, they said.

Earlier this month the potholes plight in the north was referred to as "a plague", by Jack Cousens, head of roads policy at AA.

Deputy council leader, Pryor, said: "We recognise that potholes are a major issue in Leeds, and we understand the inconvenience, disruption and frustration they cause for individuals and communities.

"Having already seen one of these solutions operating with impressive results, I am confident technologies like the three we are testing can help speed up and strengthen our response to road defects, while also offering cost-effective and efficient ways to keep our city moving."

The council said all three technologies would be evaluated following the trials, with a decision taken on whether to adopt any of the new systems to tackle road repairs.

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