Published on:
01
March 2012
A new method of repairing pot holes which could be cheaper, quicker, better and greener than traditional methods is being trialled by Clackmannanshire Council.
The Council has leased a gas-powered infra-red patcher for a six month trial period. This system heats up the existing asphalt around a pothole before some fresh material is added and the surface is rolled to leave a welded patch all round. The result is a patch with no joins which means less chance of water getting into the repair and causing future damage.
This week the patcher has been at work in Sauchie. You are invited to send a photographer to Posthill, Sauchie, at 1pm on Friday 2nd March when Council Leader Gary Womersley and Councillor Eddie Carrick will see the patcher in action.
Councillor Womersley said: "We are constantly under pressure to find new ways of providing our many services against a backdrop of reducing budgets. This new way of repairing potholes should give us very much more durable patches, as well as reducing the amount of waste material sent to landfill and provide a better working environment."
Using the patcher means there's no need for noisy compressors and breakers which means less disruption for nearby residents. And with no need for jack hammers, the repairs are much easier for workers to carry out, as well as being quicker.
Councillor Carrick, Sustainability Portfolio Holder, added: "At the end of the six month trial we'll be looking at the effectiveness of the infra-red patcher compared to more traditional methods, before we decide whether to invest in this equipment, however initial tests show that it has benefits for the council tax payers of Clackmannanshire, road users, workers and the environment."