County council takes delivery of specialist pothole fixing machines

Nottinghamshire County Council has taken delivery of the JCB Pothole Pro machines from commercial asset supplier Dawsongroup, just a week after a record-breaking £181.25 million investment in the county’s roads was given the green light.

They will be delivering first-time permanent repairs in Nottinghamshire through the county council’s highways partner, Via East Midlands, and add to the eight repair teams who hit the county’s roads at the start of the month.

The unique three-in-one machines, which have been leased for 12 months, will help to improve the speed, quality and cost-effectiveness of repairs across the county.

Their benefits include:

• Fixing a typical pothole rapidly, helping to clear backlogs more quickly and ensure that roads are closed for shorter periods of time.

• Reducing repair costs, with permanent, longer‑lasting fixes meaning fewer repeat visits.

• Cutting, cropping, and cleaning in a single visit.

The Pothole Pro machines have been leased from Dawsongroup via a procurement and tendering process carried out by Via.

Council Leader, Councillor Mick Barton, said the arrival of the Pothole Pro machines will provide value for money for Nottinghamshire residents.

He said: “After months of hard work, Cllr Bert Bingham, Cabinet Member for Transport and Highways, and I decided to take on two JCB Pothole Pro machines as part of our ongoing work to repair the roads.

“These machines will have a positive impact in what we are trying to achieve and mark a significant step forward in our first time permanent repair programme.

"Residents rightly expect us to deal with potholes quickly and effectively, and this technology allows us to do exactly that in addition to the more traditional methods we already use.

“What sets the Pothole Pro apart is its ability to complete multiple repair stages using a single piece of equipment.

“By combining cutting, cropping, and cleaning into one machine, we can reduce the time crews spend on each repair while also minimising disruption to road users.

“Ultimately, this is about delivering a better service for our communities.

“Smoother, safer roads benefit everyone, from daily commuters to local businesses, and the Pothole Pro is helping us meet those expectations in a smarter, modern way.

“We know we have a challenge ahead of us, that we are rising to, and I am confident residents will see a vast improvement in the condition of our roads by the end of the summer.”

Councillor Bert Bingham, Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment, said the machines should help the council’s teams carry out repairs to a consistently high quality.

He said: “The introduction of the JCB Porthole Pro machines will ensure that first time permanent repairs minimise the likelihood of repeat issues in the same locations.

“Another key benefit is the reduced impact on local communities as repairs can be completed faster and more efficiently, meaning there is less need for prolonged road closures or traffic management and helping to keep Nottinghamshire moving.

“This is about building a resilient and well-maintained road network for the future.

“By adding modern solutions like the Pothole Pro to our toolbox of highway repairs we are addressing current challenges and seeking to set a higher standard for road maintenance in the years ahead.

"People have understandably been frustrated with the condition of Nottinghamshire’s roads, and we believe our record-breaking investment in highways is just the start of an exciting journey as we deliver the network that people rightly expect.

“We will be evaluating the performance and value for money of the Pothole Pro, alongside our other machinery and traditional methods, to guide future investment decisions in our highways.”

Haley Thomas, Strategic Account Manager at Dawson Group, said: “We’re proud to support Via East Midlands with the installation of the JCB Pothole Pro, which represents a significant step forward in how permanent road repairs are delivered.

“Having worked closely with the team since early 2024, we understand the pressures facing local authorities to do more with less while improving safety and long-term outcomes.

“The Pothole Pro offers a fully mechanised, permanent repair solution that aligns perfectly with Via’s commitment to efficiency, quality, and reducing repeat interventions across the network.”