Stoke-on-Trent signs first deal for revolutionary JCB pothole fixer
The machine repairs potholes four times quicker than standard methods.
Staffordshire-based digger maker JCB has signed its first deal for its revolutionary pothole fixer with Stoke-on-Trent City Council which helped develop the machine.
It today became the first authority in the UK to invest in JCB's PotholePro machine which repairs potholes four times quicker than standard methods.
Councillor Daniel Jellyman, cabinet member for regeneration, infrastructure and heritage at the city council, said he was very impressed with the trials which took place last year and as a result the PotholePro was now being deployed on the city’s roads.
He said: "We know how important road maintenance is to our residents and that is why we are at the front of the queue for one of these fantastic machines. The fact that it’s made by JCB means we are also supporting a local business that employs a lot of people from our city, which is a really nice added bonus.
"We’re currently investing £25 million – one of the biggest ever sustained investments in the city’s highways, with potholes filled and pavements and roads resurfaced on a daily basis. This machine is another weapon in our armoury as we make sure our road network is maintained to a high standard for residents, businesses and visitors, which is vital to rebuilding our economy in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
"At a time when every penny counts for local authorities, we’re delighted to have been at the forefront of developing and trialling this new machine. We can’t wait to get our hands on it and put it to work on the city’s roads."
JCB launched the PotholePro - a machine that can repair a pothole in less than eight minutes and at half the cost of current solutions - earlier this year.
JCB Director Paul Murray said: "We’re absolutely delighted to see Stoke-on-Trent City Council become the first authority in the UK to invest in the machine.
"The council has been involved right from the very early stages of its creation. The team has worked with us throughout the development process and also took part in trials last year. They’ve clearly seen the benefits and believe in the machine which as manufacturers is great news."