AI helps pothole-fixing to annual high - council

Staffordshire County Council says it repaired more than 37,000 potholes in the last 12 months

A highways teams has been able to fill in more potholes in the last year than in each of the previous four thanks to AI technology, a local authority says.

Crews filled in more than 37,300 potholes during the year 2024-25, Staffordshire County Council has revealed.

Bosses said they used AI to assess the condition of the county's 4,000-mile road network, as well as sending out more crews and using the JCB Pothole Pro to speed up work.

The council announced an £8m scheme last June aimed at repairing road defects more quickly.

Information about the number of repairs was published as part of a government requirement to share road maintenance data.

The authority said recent warm weather meant staff had been focused on a preventative maintenance programme, to help stop potholes and other defects from forming.

"Residents have told me time and again that the condition of their local roads is one of their top priorities, and it's our top priority too," said Peter Mason, cabinet member for strategic highways.

He said highways were underfunded, but the council was looking at ways to make the money they get go further.

"I welcome the transparency that this new reporting brings, as it shows how in Staffordshire we have a good grasp of what the problems are, and crews are getting on with the job of fixing as many defects as they can," he said.