Pothole-fixing machines a 'game-changer' for roads

A faster and more efficient method of fixing potholes has been a "game-changer" in Wiltshire, a councillor in charge of highways says.

Two Bobcat machines were bought by Wiltshire Council as part of a £22m initiative to improve roads, and have been operational for 18 months.

The machines are allowing road repair teams to dramatically improve the speed and efficiency of pothole repairs across the region.

Councillor Nick Holder, cabinet member for highways, street scene, and flooding, praised the new technology: "The introduction of the Bobcat machines has been a game changer in how we address potholes."

Wiltshire Council invested in the machines as part of a £22m initiative to improve roads

"These machines allow us to make repairs that are more sustainable and long-lasting, which will help improve the overall quality of our roads," he told BBC Radio Wiltshire.

Matthew Moore, who works for the company carrying out the repairs, described the machines as "fun" to operate, and said they were equipped with technology that made the job easier and more efficient.

"We can do anything up to 200 square meters, which is a lot of potholes," Mr Moore explained.

"Back when it was all manual work, we were doing two to three tonnes a day. Now, we can do 20 to 30 tonnes a day."

Matthew Moore, who works for the company carrying out the repairs, says the machines are equipped with technology that makes the job easier and more efficient

'Residents are noticing'

Mr Moore added that repairs made with the machines were permanent, lasting for at least 10 years.

"We're actually getting somewhere and bringing the numbers down to where they were," he said.

Wiltshire Council says it is also due to receive a share of £500m in government funding for road repairs that will further accelerate efforts to improve the region's roads.

Holder added residents had already noticed improvements in the condition of the roads.

"By doing repairs that are not just plugging a hole, we're repairing the area that has degraded," he explained. "That will provide a much more long-lasting and sustainable repair.

"When we talk to residents, they are saying how all these roads are starting to look a bit better."