Labour pledge to 'fix one million more potholes' a year to 'deliver the roads drivers deserve'
Louise Haigh said the new technology was doing 'fantastic work'
PA/DEPARTMENT FOR TRANSPORT
New technology is being deployed across the UK to combat the persistent problem of potholes on British roads, as Labour pledges to fill in more potholes than ever.
In Blackpool, an innovative scheme called Project Amber is leading the charge, utilising advanced imagery systems to detect and repair road defects more efficiently.
The Project Amber system, which takes high-definition images of roads, allows for swift identification of potholes and helps prioritise areas most in need of repair.
The "cutting-edge" technology was shown to Transport Secretary Louise Haigh yesterday after Blackpool Council saw a dramatic reduction in compensation payouts for pothole-related claims.
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The Transport Secretary said the new technology would help drivers and cyclists
DEPARTMENT FOR TRANSPORT
Haigh, who represents Sheffield Heeley, reaffirmed the Government's commitment to tackle what she termed the "pothole plague" affecting the nation's roads.
During her visit, Haigh pledged to deliver on the government's manifesto commitment to fix up to one million more potholes annually to improve conditions for drivers and cyclists across the country.
She added: "For too long, this country has suffered from a pothole plague. Our roads have become a constant and visible reminder of the decline in our country’s infrastructure, which stunts economic growth.
"Blackpool Council are already doing fantastic work to make the most of new technology to repair potholes faster.
"This should be a model for every community to learn from and help deliver the roads their drivers deserve, so that Britain can get moving."
Since the launch of Project Amber, the council's compensation bill for pothole-related payouts has plummeted from up to £1.5million annually to just £719 last year.
The Government confirmed that it would set out its manifesto road resurfacing commitment at the upcoming Spending Review on October 30.
Labour's pre-election pledge to fix up to one million more potholes annually after MPs noted that there were more potholes on British roads than there were craters on the surface of the moon.
Councillor Paula Burdess, Blackpool Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Street Scene and Neighbourhoods, said it was "great" to welcome the Transport Secretary to the city to show the new technology.
The Labour councillor for the Clifton ward added: "Blackpool has always been synonymous with innovation – how we look after our roads is no different. I’m really proud that Blackpool are leading the way nationally with innovative road maintenance.
"Our highways team work extremely hard to keep the roads functioning for residents and visitors to the town.
"We continually strive to use new methods that are quicker and less disruptive, alongside materials that are longer-lasting and better for the environment."
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Louise Haigh said Labour would fill in one million potholes
DEPARTMENT FOR TRANSPORT
In addition to fixing roads and removing potholes, Labour said it would act on its other manifesto pledges for British drivers.
This includes plans to tackle the soaring cost of car insurance, accelerate the roll out of electric vehicle chargepoints, and deliver a new road safety strategy to reduce deaths and injuries on roads.