The government has announced plans to introduce a new data standard for monitoring road conditions to support local authorities and the Department for Transport.
As part of the new plans, research into new tech such as 3D printing and drone monitoring are being encouraged to help identify and fix potholes more effectively.
Improving traffic signals and the flow of traffic are also an area of focus.
The package will see councils across England share a £15 million pot of funding to improve traffic light systems to support a cut in congestion, reduce journey times and slash emissions as set out in the Transport decarbonisation plan.
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Transport secretary Grant Shapps commented on the plans: “Whether you’re a motorist, cyclist or pedestrian, every road-user across our country deserves the best possible journey. That’s why, despite already having some of the best and safest roads in the world, this government is providing millions of pounds to improve them further still.
“This vital funding and work will cut journey times for millions of people, reduce emissions and keep the UK at the forefront of technological developments in roads maintenance as we continue to invest in local economies and build back both better and greener from the pandemic.”
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Head of roads policy at the RAC, Nicholas Lyes, said: “Additional investment to cut congestion and make pothole repairs better for the future is very welcome. Improving traffic lights can make a significant difference to local roads by efficiently maximising the number of vehicles that can safely pass through junctions while hitting a pothole can be an expensive and even a dangerous experience.
“We look forward to seeing how drivers and road users more widely can benefit from the use of 21st-century technology to repair their local roads more quickly.”
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