POTHOLES are being filled using a new procedure which means the repairs last longer according to Herts County Council. But the downside is that unless the potholes are hazardous, they are taking between seven and 14 days to fix using heated materials to c

POTHOLES are being filled using a new procedure which means the repairs last longer according to Herts County Council.

But the downside is that unless the potholes are hazardous, they are taking between seven and 14 days to fix using heated materials to create a more watertight patch.

After trialling the new procedure in East Herts, the system has been rolled out in the St Albans district, Welwyn-Hatfield and Hertsmere, some of the most heavily trafficked parts of the country, and is now going countywide.

One of the aims of the more permanent method is to reduce the need for return visits by repair crews as well as improving the general condition of the roads.

Hazardous potholes are still being filled within 24 hours because using the new method requires using heated asphalt and heavy machinery which makes it a longer process.

Members of the public reporting potholes will now be asked for additional information via a series of questions in order to assess which repair method to use.

Said county councillor Stuart Pile, executive member for highways, transport and rural affairs: "We know how much of a problem potholes are so we're always on the look-out for the latest methods for making pothole repairs as effective as possible.

"While we have been praised for our quick response times, the quick-fixes can deteriorate rapidly so it's good news that the trials for the new longer-lasting repair procedure have been so successful."

He added: "The additional information we're asking residents to give when they report a pothole is crucial. The engineers at Herts Highways carry out regular road inspections but, with 5,000km of extremely busy roads in Herts and insufficient Government funding, they can't be everywhere all the time.

"Potholes frequently appear between inspection dates and that's why it's vital that residents report any problem areas to us. The more detail they can give, the better we can judge the most suitable response."

Potholes can be reported on www.hertsdirect.org/highwayfaults or 01438 737320.