An innovative, faster, low emissions way to fix potholes is being trialled by Redbridge Council, demonstrating London boroughs’ commitment to tackling climate change.
The Spray Injection Patching machine can fix potholes within two minutes, using a new technique called Spray Injection Patching. This process has no excavation, waste, or heat involved, meaning holes can be fixed with minimal carbon emissions and less impact on the environment.
The Spray Injection Patching machine, made by road repair specialists Velocity, has already had positive results during deployment on the streets of Redbridge. It has achieved a record breaking 120 repairs in one day, and nearly 2200 pothole repairs during the 12-week trial.
Traditional methods of pothole repair for the same number of defects would have contributed 1,112tns of carbon to the environment. Calculations by Velocity stated that their works using the machine produced a much less 44.5tns, 95% less.
The reduction in potholes means streets are smoother and safer, encouraging people to choose active and green travel methods.
Redbridge Council Leader, Cllr Jas Athwal, said, “Potholes are a nuisance and a danger to road users, and we understand how difficult they can make journeys around Redbridge. We’re working hard to find innovative and cost-effective ways to improve road surfaces for local people.
“The Spray Injection Patching machine is helping pave the way, and where suitable we hope to continue using it on our roads, alongside our resurfacing programme and traditional repairs, enabling a greater number of potholes repairs to be completed faster across the borough, with fewer carbon emissions.
“We hope the success of this trial will encourage further use of this low carbon solution to potholes and instil greater confidence and opportunities for active travel on our roads.”
London boroughs are pioneering green solutions that make a real difference in their local communities. Each London borough has a local Climate Action Plan setting out how they will meet their climate targets and deliver a just transition for their communities and businesses.
They are also working together via the London Councils’ Climate Programme to establish a greener future for London and its residents. This work includes prioritising low carbon development, which seeks to increase low carbon buildings and infrastructure through borough planning powers.
Councils are currently facing huge challenges in maintaining London’s roads, with a £1.59 billion highways maintenance backlog. However, boroughs are innovating to try to address this, while also reducing carbon emissions and safeguarding London’s green future.
