Labour announces driving 'crackdown' because 'it’s time for change'

The total cost of pothole damage to vehicles reached £579million in 2024, up from £474million the previous year.
-Credit:Reach Publishing Services Limited


The Government is marking National Pothole Day with a huge £1.6billion investment as it crackdowns on motorists' "number one" headache. The total cost of pothole damage to vehicles reached £579million in 2024, up from £474million the previous year.

At the J.C. Bamford Excavators Limited (JCB) power systems factory, the future of roads minister operated JCB’s ‘pothole pro’, a machine that can fix a pothole in eight minutes, with a cost of around £30. The ‘pothole pro’ is currently used by 20 local authorities.

Labour Party government minister Lilian Greenwood said: “Potholes are a clear sign of decline in our infrastructure and for too long roads like those in Derbyshire have been left in a state that endangers and costs road users. It’s time for change and we are investing £1.6 billion to fix up to 7 million more potholes across England this year, including over £75 million for the East Midlands Combined Authority.

ADVERTISEMENT

READ MORE: Next fleece for £34 so 'cosy' it kept buyer warm on Iceland holiday

READ MORE: DWP adds warning to PIP claimants as four major changes this year are confirmed

READ MORE Final date snow will hit UK this winter announced and it's not far away

“JCB’s ‘pothole pro’ is one of the many great examples of using new technology to repair potholes faster and demonstrates how companies are harnessing new technology to repair potholes faster. We’ll continue to engage with local leaders and industry to ensure innovations are being used to deliver roads the country deserves.”

Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, said: "Broken roads can risk lives and cost families hundreds if not thousands of pounds on repairs. That’s a cost that can easily be avoided by investing properly in our roads. Through our Plan for Change we’re determined to put more money back into the pockets of hardworking people and improve living standards.

ADVERTISEMENT

"That’s why we’re giving councils funding to repair our roads and get Britain moving again – with a clear expectation that they get on with the job." Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, said: "Potholes have plagued motorists for far too long, but today’s record investment will start to reverse a decade of decline on our country’s roads.

"Millions will drive home for Christmas today, but too many will have to endure an obstacle course to reach their loved ones. Potholes damage cars and make pedestrians and cyclists less safe. We are investing £1.6 billion to fix up to 7 million more potholes next year.

"This government is firmly on the side of drivers. Every area of England will get extra cash to tackle this problem once and for all. We have gone beyond our manifesto commitment to back motorists and help raise living standards in every part of the country."