Wrekin welcomes pothole repair findings in public report

The House of Commons’ Public Accounts Committee has released a report addressing the UK’s ongoing pothole crisis, recommending that the Department for Transport (DfT) prioritise long-term, preventative solutions over temporary fixes. This report has been welcomed by Wrekin Products, a leading provider of civil engineering and ironwork solutions.

Paul Thompson, technical specification manager at Wrekin Products, praised the report’s recommendations, highlighting the need for a shift in focus from reactive repairs to addressing the root causes of pothole formation.

“Potholes are more than a surface issue,” Thompson said. “Unfortunately, many local authorities treat them as such, leading to a worsening problem and escalating public expenditure without tackling the underlying issues. Road users are also bearing the brunt of this approach. Recent AA data revealed that the overall UK repair bill for pothole-damaged cars rose to £579 million in 2024, the highest on record.”

While the government has allocated £1.6 billion to repair seven million potholes this year, Thompson argued that no amount of funding will solve the issue if it is not targeted at the root causes. He pointed to flaws in the DfT’s funding arrangements, which base allocations on road length and bridge numbers rather than the specific needs of local road networks. Over the last decade, as many as 12 separate funding pots have been introduced, often prioritising reactive repairs over maintenance and improvement.

“At some point, we’ve shifted from developing our road infrastructure to simply trying to prevent its collapse,” Thompson explained. “This short-term approach is costing the country — and everyday road users — far more in the long run.”

Wrekin Products supports the report’s call for the DfT to improve data collection and provide updated guidance and best practices to local authorities. Thompson noted that correctly installed, high-quality materials are key to breaking the costly cycle of pothole repairs.

“Problems often arise when weaknesses exist in the road surface, whether due to surfacing joints, remedial works, or the use of poor-quality materials,” he said. “Addressing these weaknesses early can prevent potholes from forming in the first place.”

He cited Wrekin’s own success, pointing to their ironwork beneath Piccadilly Circus, one of the busiest roads in the world, which has remained issue-free for over 15 years thanks to its robust design and manufacturing.

“Though the initial cost of high-quality materials may be higher than patchwork repairs, the long-term savings — from reduced repair frequency, minimised road disruptions, and less damage to vehicles — are astronomical for both local authorities and residents alike,” Thompson concluded.

The report’s findings underline the urgent need for a strategic overhaul in how the UK addresses its pothole crisis, with the civil engineering industry urging greater investment in durable, preventative measures.