Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of heavier vehicles on the durability of materials used in the repair of road potholes.

The Government recognises that heavier vehicles can accelerate road surface wear. While the Department has not undertaken a specific assessment of this effect, we are actively considering the implications of greater numbers of zero emission heavy goods vehicles on UK roads, including the potential for additional road wear.

The main guidance for local highway authorities on asset management is the Code of Practice for Well-Managed Highways Infrastructure, published by the UK Roads Leadership Group and funded by the Department for Transport. The guidance, sets out a national framework for how local highway authorities should manage their networks using a risk-based, evidence-led approach, taking account of current and expected highways usage. The Department is currently reviewing the Code of Practice, including to ensure it considers the implications of heavier vehicles on road maintenance. An updated version will be published by the end of this year.

In addition, through the £30 million Live Labs 2 programme, the Department is helping local authorities trial innovative approaches to road maintenance, including the use of more durable materials for resurfacing.