Shropshire Council deploys Roadmaster Fleet to tackle rural pothole backlog
Shropshire Council has announced a significant escalation in its highway maintenance programme, with specialised machinery set to be deployed across the county’s rural network over the coming weeks.
The local authority is reintroducing two Roadmaster vehicles for the spring and summer seasons to specifically target the growing number of potholes and surface defects that have affected local motorists.
These high-tech maintenance tools utilise a spray injection patching technique, which is a departure from traditional manual repair methods.
The process begins with the Roadmaster preparing the damaged area of the road before injecting a mixture of aggregate and binder into the pothole at high velocity. This method ensures the repair is thoroughly compacted and sealed with a surface dressing, creating a durable finish that is intended to withstand the pressures of rural traffic while remaining more cost-effective than conventional alternatives.
David Vasmer, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for highways and environment, said:
“People can also help us by reporting any potholes that they spot.”
“We are determined to get on top of the pothole problem, which has been made worse by the recent wet and cold weather – a situation faced by other councils across the country
“The Roadmasters help us to repair potholes quickly to a high standard, and they therefore make a huge difference to our rural roads.
“Along with the work of our pothole teams, and our work to surface dress and resurface roads across the county, the Roadmasters will play a big role in our efforts to reduce the backlog of pothole repairs.
Beyond simply filling existing holes, the spray injection technology acts as a preventative measure by sealing minor cracks before they can develop into more serious hazards. This proactive approach aims to extend the overall lifespan of the county's road surfaces.
To support these efforts, the council is encouraging residents to play an active role in the maintenance of their local area. Members of the public are being urged to report any new potholes they encounter via the FixMyStreet mobile application or through the official Shropshire Council website at shropshire.gov.uk/highways.
