HERTFORDSHIRE Highways is using high-speed jet-powered patching technology in the battle to fill potholes in a fraction of the time usually taken.

Crews have been on the county’s roads with their ‘jet packs’ blasting potholes with hot air to remove dirt and debris and then spraying a mixture of bitumen emulsion and stone aggregate under pressure to seal the hole.

Stuart Pile, executive member of highways and transport at Hertfordshire County Council, said: “As winter sets in, one of the main challenges for our highways crews is keeping on top of repairs to potholes, which can literally form overnight in some cases.

“So this new early-intervention technique is an exciting development for us.

“As well as being much quicker and more efficient, it greatly reduces disruption for road users while the work is being done.”

Damaged roads in East Herts, Broxbourne, South West and Mid Herts have been used to trial the technology, but Watford’s motorists and other road users have to wait and see if the new process will be applied to the town’s roads.

Councillor Pile said: “At the moment, the jury is still out on its suitability in all cases, but it has already proved very effective in treating roads where damage has just become apparent.”