Councils Could Lose Money Over Potholes: Hire a Roller for Efficient Repairs

Potholes have long been a nuisance for road users across the UK, causing damage to vehicles, increasing the risk of accidents, and creating frustrations for local communities. Now, councils are under greater pressure than ever to fix potholes or risk losing vital highway maintenance funding. With the government tightening regulations, local authorities must take swift action to address road surface issues effectively. One of the most efficient ways to ensure high-quality repairs is to hire a roller, a crucial piece of machinery in road construction and maintenance.

Government Funding and New Pothole Repair Requirements

From mid-April 2025, councils across England will begin receiving their share of the government’s £1.6 billion highway maintenance fund, which includes an additional £500 million intended to fix approximately 7 million potholes per year. However, this funding comes with strict conditions: councils must publish annual progress reports on their pothole repair efforts or risk losing 25% of the extra funding. Which is equivalent to £125 million in total.

The government has made it clear that transparency and efficiency in road maintenance are now a top priority. Local authorities are required to publish reports by 30 June 2025, detailing:

  • Total spending on pothole repairs
  • The number of potholes filled
  • The percentage of roads in different conditions
  • Measures taken to minimise disruption caused by street works
  • Investments in long-term preventative maintenance
  • Preparations for increasingly wet winters, which exacerbate pothole issues

Failure to comply with these requirements means councils could lose out on critical funding, further delaying much-needed repairs and frustrating residents and businesses alike.

Why Councils Should Hire a Roller for Pothole Repairs

As councils race to meet the government’s pothole repair targets, using the right machinery is essential. Road rollers play a vital role in ensuring road repairs are durable, safe, and long-lasting. Choosing to hire a roller rather than purchase one outright offers numerous benefits, including cost-effectiveness, access to modern equipment, and the flexibility to use different sizes and types of rollers depending on the job requirements.

The Importance of Road Rollers in Pothole Repairs

Road rollers play a crucial role in pothole repairs by ensuring that newly laid asphalt or other road materials are compacted properly, creating a smooth and durable surface. A road roller, also known as a compactor, is a heavy-duty machine designed to compress surfaces by using a large drum or set of drums to apply force and pressure. These machines come in various types, including single-drum rollers, double-drum rollers, and padfoot rollers, each suited to different applications.

What is a Roller Used For?

A road roller is primarily used to compact materials such as soil, gravel, asphalt, and concrete. In pothole repairs, rollers help by pressing down the new asphalt layer, eliminating air gaps and ensuring the patch seamlessly integrates with the existing road surface. This process prevents further deterioration and extends the longevity of the repair.

Benefits of Using a Road Roller for Pothole Repairs

Enhanced Durability: Proper compaction ensures that road repairs last longer by reducing the likelihood of cracks and future potholes forming.

Improved Road Safety: A well-compacted surface creates a smoother, safer driving experience, reducing the risk of accidents caused by uneven roads.

Increased Efficiency: Road rollers help complete repairs faster, allowing roads to be reopened to traffic more quickly.

Cost-Effective Maintenance: Well-compacted roads require less frequent maintenance, saving councils money in the long run.

Better Water Drainage: Compacting the repair area properly minimises water penetration, which is one of the leading causes of pothole formation.

Using the right type of road roller for pothole repairs ensures long-lasting results and helps maintain road infrastructure efficiently. With councils under pressure to fix potholes and maintain highways, hiring a roller is a practical and effective solution to meeting these demands.

H. E. Services: Providing High-Quality Road Rollers for Hire

To assist local authorities and contractors in their road maintenance efforts, H. E. Services offer a range of road rollers for hire. With a reputation for providing top-quality plant machinery, H. E. Services ensure that clients receive reliable, well-maintained equipment to tackle any road repair project.

Types of Rollers Available for Hire

H. E. Services supplies an extensive range of vibrating road rollers, suitable for different road repair needs:

  • 800mm Bomag Roller Hire: Ideal for small-scale patchwork and footpaths
  • 1200mm Bomag Roller Hire: Suitable for minor road repairs and cycle paths
  • 1350mm Bomag Roller Hire: A versatile choice for local road resurfacing projects
  • Bomag Trench Roller HIre: Perfect for hard to reach areas, where the roller can be controlled remotely

Each roller is available for short-term or long-term hire, providing councils and contractors with the flexibility needed to complete road repairs effectively. If you’re looking to rent a roller in the UK, view our full fleet here

Hire A Roller From H. E. Services Today!

Hiring a roller from H. E. Services (Plant Hire) Ltd. offers a reliable and cost-effective solution for efficient pothole repairs and road maintenance. With our extensive range of high-quality road rollers and expert support, councils and contractors can ensure that repairs are completed to the highest standards, extending the life of road surfaces and improving safety for all road users. Whether you’re working on a small pothole or large-scale road repairs, our team is here to help you get the job done efficiently. 

Get in touch with us today to hire a roller and keep your roads in top condition.

For more special offers and construction news, don’t forget to follow us on social media:

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/planthireHE/?locale=en_GB

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/h-e–services-plant-hire-ltd/

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/planthirehe/

TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@heservicesplanthireltd

X – https://twitter.com/planthireHE

Information correct as of 27th March 2025.