Powys County Council has taken delivery of its first Pothole Pro machine as part of a £2.5 million investment in improving highway maintenance across the county.
The specialist machine will support highways teams in delivering more effective and longer lasting pothole repairs across Powys’ 5,500km road network.
Designed to prepare damaged road surfaces before repairs are carried out, the Pothole Pro cuts, crops and cleans defects more effectively, helping crews complete stronger and more durable repairs while making more efficient use of resources.
The machine has now arrived in Powys, with highways crews currently undertaking specialist training to ensure it can be used safely and effectively before it enters service. Two further machines are expected to join the fleet once they have been manufactured and delivered.
Councillor Jake Berriman, Leader of Powys County Council, said: “Our residents rightly expect to see improvements to the county’s roads and this investment is helping us deliver exactly that.
“The arrival of the first Pothole Pro demonstrates how we are combining investment in modern technology with the expertise of our highways teams to support stronger, longer-lasting repairs across Powys.
“I’d also like to thank Gary Bowen of WW Bowen Ltd for arranging the initial demonstration of the technology, which helped officers and members see first-hand the benefits it could bring to our communities.”
Councillor Matthew Dorrance, Deputy Leader of Powys County Council, said: “This is another positive step forward in our investment in local infrastructure.
“Alongside training our staff, we are investing in modern equipment that will help our highways teams work more efficiently and effectively, supporting better outcomes for residents over the long term.”
Councillor Jackie Charlton, Cabinet Member for a Greener Powys, added: “Maintaining and improving our roads remains a priority for the council.
“The Pothole Pro will provide our highways teams with an additional tool to help deliver more durable repairs and make the most of the investment we are making in the highway network.
“This investment supports our ambition for a Stronger, Fairer and Greener Powys by helping us improve local infrastructure and keep communities connected.”
The Pothole Pro is designed to assist highways teams rather than repair potholes on its own and will form part of a wider maintenance programme that also includes resurfacing, drainage improvements and structural repairs.
Once staff training has been completed, the machine will begin operating across the county as part of planned highways maintenance activities.
