An audit into the mapping of potholes aided by data from on-road businesses such as Uber and Deliveroo has been launched by transport secretary, Grant Shapps
The first-of-its-kind audit into the mapping of potholes in England has been launched by Grant Shapps, to better target improvements so that roads are in top condition as people return to work and school.
The Department for Transport will work with Gaist, a highway data and mapping company, businesses such as Deliveroo, Uber, Tesco and Ocado, alongside local highway authorities to identify ‘pothole hot-spots’.
Combining collated data on current potholes held by nation-wide businesses and up-to-date bank of roads imagery in the country from Gaist, the department will be able to paint a comprehensive picture of where funding is most needed to make sure roads are not plagued by potholes.
It will make roads as safe as possible as more commuters and students undertake journeys in the coming months.
The plan aims to help cyclists and motorist get back to school and work.
The government has previously committed £2.5bn in funding for pothole repairs in the biggest nationwide programme ever announced.
The launch of the review comes as new data reveals that highway maintenance works undertaken in the past months when roads were quieter during lockdown has led to 319 miles of resurfacing.
Fixing critical potholes
Transport secretary Grant Shapps, said: “I want our roads to be as safe as possible, so during the lockdown we’ve resurfaced hundreds of miles of road.
“But now I want to go further by identifying critical potholes and ensuring these are fixed as quickly as possible.
“We’re teaming up with delivery companies, who know the roads well, in order to map out where remaining potholes exist and then relentlessly target them with our record £2.5bn to pothole repair fund.
“Better road surfaces benefit motorists and cyclists alike ensuring the back to school and work environment is safer for everyone.”
Charlie Wren, director of operations at Deliveroo, added: “Deliveroo riders go above and beyond to bring people the food they love and this is a great way to make sure they and other road users are safe on the road.
“We’re looking forward to working with the government on this important scheme to help make the roads safer for Deliveroo riders and others.”
