Plymouth City Council has announced a six month trial of a new pothole repair system.

The new Velocity road repair system can fill potholes without the need for heat, waste and excavation. This reduces the system's carbon footprint substantially, in comparison with other repair methods.

The new technology will aim to help the council's commitment to repair potholes in the area quicker than it has in the past.

The council also announced a change in criteria for road repairs. Highways inspectors will continue to assess potholes based on the current criteria but, in a change of approach, surrounding potholes that don't quite meet the required levels will also be repaired. In some cases, the whole road may be treated (although this will require a road closure and more lead-in time).

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Other treatments including micro-asphalt surfacing and surface dressing will continue to be used, along with full resurfacing where appropriate.

Commenting on the trial, Councillor Mark Coker, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Transport, said: "We made a promise to fill more potholes more quickly to help keep our roads safe and the city moving.

"This new machine means there’s no excavation, no waste, often no need for road closures, and repairs are ready to drive on in minutes. The repairs cost a third of the price of traditional techniques, and because there’s no heat involved, it’s also exceptionally low on carbon emissions.

"The Council is facing significant financial challenges and, with reduced funding and spiralling costs, it's crucial we explore more cost-effective ways of maintaining the city's road network.

"By focusing more on techniques like spray-injection patching, we can repair more defects and extend the life of our roads with significantly less cost and disruption – and, importantly, far fewer carbon emissions.

"Over the next year I will continue to look at what further innovation can be identified in the fight against potholes and working with our contractors we will explore lower-carbon methods in maintaining our highways."