Scientists warn climate change will worsen the problem as more wet weather and temperature extremes give an extra battering to the surfaces we drive on.
Almost 630,000 potholes were reported to councils in England, Scotland and Wales between January and November 2023, a five-year high, according to local government data compiled by campaign group Round Our Way following a Freedom of Information request.
"We're putting together a robotic van, that can fix the most common road problems like cracks and potholes and others, and then repaint the lane markings," Prof Ioannis Brilakis, from Cambridge University explains.
A robot developed by Liverpool University which uses artificial intelligence (AI) to identify potential potholes is to be tested on public roads in Hertfordshire.
At the University of Surrey, Dr Benyi Cao is working with National Highways to keep road surfaces at controlled temperatures by trialling the use of geothermal energy in very specific areas.
It is imperative that we take concerted action to address this issue, through improved road maintenance practices, innovative materials and technologies, and broader climate change mitigation strategies."
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