Potholes, those intrusive depressions in road surfaces are a common and significant issue in the UK. They pose risks to road users, lead to vehicle damage, and can result in costly repairs, particularly for facilities with a high footfall of traffic and visitors.
Effective pothole risk management is essential to maintaining safety, movement, business continuity and reputation in car parks, yards, and access roads.
We asked one of Griffiths & Armour’s longstanding clients, Ground Control, to explain the challenges associated with pothole management in the UK and discuss how businesses can mitigate these risks to keep premiums to a minimum and avoid expensive compensation claims. Ground Control is an external maintenance expert and founder of an instant drive over pothole solution.
The pothole problem in the UK
Potholes are caused primarily by freezing and thawing of water beneath the road surface, combined with pressure from heavy vehicles and traffic.
The UK’s erratic weather conditions exacerbate this issue, particularly during the winter months when freezing temperatures and heavy rainfall are common. According to the Asphalt Industry Alliance‘s (AIA) Annual Local Authority Road Maintenance (ALARM) survey, the cost of repairing potholes across the UK is estimated to be in the billions, reflecting the scale of the problem.
Challenges in pothole management
- Weather conditions: The UK’s weather, characterised by frequent rain and occasional freezing temperatures, creates ideal conditions for pothole formation. Severe winters can lead to a significant increase in potholes. Then there’s the probability of random, short-lived heatwaves, causing concrete and tarmac to expand and crack
- Aging infrastructure: Much of the UK’s, infrastructure is aging with some road surfaces dating back several decades. Older road surfaces and hard standings are more susceptible to damage and require more frequent repairs
- Overcrowding: The increasing population and growing number of vehicles on UK roads increase the wear and tear on road surfaces, accelerating the formation of potholes
Strategies for mitigating risk
Allocating resources for emergency repairs and long-term maintenance plans: Implementing proactive maintenance strategies can help prevent potholes. This includes regular inspections, timely sealing of cracks, and resurfacing roads before significant damage occurs. Ground Control has developed award-winning technology and an app called GC Go, to help identify roads at high risk of pothole formation.
Innovative repair techniques: Embracing new repair technologies can improve the efficiency and longevity of pothole repairs. Techniques such as infrared asphalt repair, which reuses existing road materials, and the use of durable, quick-setting asphalt mixtures can enhance repair quality and reduce recurrence.
Reporting systems: Encouraging people to report potholes through online platforms and mobile apps can expedite repairs. Ground Control actively encourage customers and colleagues to capture the damage using their mobile phones and send via WhatsApp, text, or email for fast response times. The new GC Go app uses smart data that enables their teams to identify potential pothole hazards proactively and reactively across their clients’ estates ensuring timely intervention.
Use of advanced materials: Investing in advanced materials for road construction and repair can lead to more durable, risk-adverse surfaces. Ground Control use Permafill, a unique formula which is water based and modified with other natural ingredients, making it a highly sustainable and robust solution. It can withstand harsh weather and heavy traffic, reducing the likelihood of future pothole formation. Due to its durable properties, it is even approved for airport runways and guaranteed for three years.
Collaboration and knowledge sharing on sustainability: Ground Control ensure a sustainable approach by working with local teams with local knowledge, enabling them to provide a low carbon service that’s proactive and predictable, saving businesses time and money on transport, whilst reducing carbon footprint. Whatever the weather or location, Ground Control has teams that can reach clients quickly, and technology that can keep them informed as well as providing essential environmental reporting data.
Awareness raising: Educating people about the causes of potholes and the importance of timely reporting can foster a collaborative approach to pothole management.
Conclusion
Pothole risk management in the UK requires a multifaceted approach that combines proactive maintenance and innovation. While the challenges are significant, adopting a strategic and collaborative approach can mitigate the risks posed by potholes leading to safer and more resilient facilities. By investing in long-term solutions and leveraging new technologies, the UK can improve its road infrastructure and reduce the impact of potholes on road users and the economy.
Ground Control offer efficient pothole repair for commercial clients across the UK, providing peace of mind for clients via instant repair, fixed term and pay-as-you go contracts for winter and all-season car park maintenance.
For further information and support, please get in touch.
