Pothole risk management in the UK

Griffiths & Armour, chartered insurance broker and professional business risk advisor, talks with Ground Control about how businesses can mitigate the risk of damage caused by potholes in the UK. 

The pothole problem in the UK

Potholes are caused primarily by the 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 encourages 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-averse surfaces. Ground Control's game-changing solution 'Permafill' uses ViaFix, a market-leading formula that is water-based and modified with other natural ingredients, making it highly sustainable and robust. 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.  Ground Control's 'Permafill' pothole service is guaranteed for three years.

Collaboration and knowledge sharing on sustainability: Ground Control ensures a sustainable approach by working with local teams with local knowledge. This enables them to provide a low-carbon service that’s proactive and predictable, saving businesses time and money on transport and reducing carbon footprint.

Whatever the weather or location, Ground Control has teams that can reach clients quickly and technology that can keep them informed and provide 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's patented 'Permafill' service offers efficient pothole repair for commercial clients across the UK. It gives peace of mind via instant repair, fixed-term, and pay-as-you-go contracts for winter and all-season car park maintenance.