Dawsongroup emc is investing in the highly productive JCB Pothole Pro machines, which fix potholes without the need for labour intensive repair methods or additional expensive machinery.

The six machines, bought from dealer TC Harrison JCB, are now being rolled out for rent on contract hire by local authorities and contractors across the country who urgently need to tackle the scourge of potholes as winter approaches.

Demand for the machines is expected to be high as the Asphalt Industry Alliance’s (AIA) Annual Local Authority Road Maintenance survey estimates there are £12.64bn worth of outstanding road repairs in England and Wales – equating to a nine-year backlog.

Dawsongroup emc managing director Glen Carruthers said: ‘This is really exciting for us. The Pothole Pro is an innovative machine which is both time and cost-effective. Our investment gives local authorities and contractors access to the best machines for the job without the need for major financial outlay. Not only is this a highly innovative addition to our product range, but it also means that we are helping to solve a problem that provokes many road users’ frustrations. It is also a significant milestone for Dawsongroup as the company further expands its extensive product range and sector diversification.’

JCB Pothole Pro sales manager Ben Rawding commented: ‘Dawsongroup’s order for six JCB Pothole Pro machines will have a big impact on the nine-year road repair backlog in the UK. It is our biggest order to date for this revolutionary machine and means thousands of miles more road will be repaired quickly and cost effectively as we go into winter. JCB’s solution is simple and cost effective and fixes potholes permanently, first time and we are excited that such a major hirer has recognised the machine’s benefits.

‘City councils, large rural county councils and Tier 1 highways contractors across the UK have invested in the Pothole Pro, and all are seeing significantly more defects being fixed, economically, permanently and safely. In fact, Stoke-on-Trent City Council – the first authority to invest in the Pothole Pro – has repaired seven years’ worth of defects in just 12 months.’