The Highways and Transport Scrutiny Committee of Lincolnshire Council met on Monday, 27 April 2026, to discuss the JCB Pothole Pro trial update and the Highways Drainage Works Programme for 2026-27. The committee also reviewed its work programme for the coming year.

JCB Pothole Pro Trial Update

The committee received an update on the trial of the JCB Pothole Pro machine, which has been used for reactive patching work. Jonathan Evans, Head of Highways Client, and Tom Gifford, Client and Contract Manager, presented the findings. The trial, which began in September 2025, focused on small patching works rather than individual pothole repairs, targeting clusters of potholes and challenging areas of the network.

The report indicated that the Pothole Pro machine has exceeded its target output of 60 square metres per day, averaging 64 square metres. Councillors noted its flexibility, including its use during a road closure on Bardney Causeway following drought damage, where it contributed to significant repairs. The machine's ability to self-propel has also led to savings in transport costs compared to alternative methods requiring low-loader movements.

Concerns were raised by Councillor Mrs Charlotte Louise Edwards Vernon about the lack of detailed cost comparisons and information on repeat defect rates. Councillor Richard Andrew Wright questioned why Balfour Beatty, the contractor, had not brought the machine forward sooner if it was so effective, and whether the council had explored other similar machines. Officers explained that the commercial arrangements meant Balfour Beatty owned the machine and leased it on a day-rate basis. They also clarified that the previous trial in 2022 focused on individual potholes, whereas the current trial's success was linked to the introduction of reactive patching rates for larger areas.

The committee was informed that Balfour Beatty had decided to retain the Pothole Pro on contract due to its productivity, cost-effectiveness, and value for money. The machine has also demonstrated health and safety benefits for operatives, reducing the need for manual labour and the risk of plant and people interface.

Highways Drainage Works Programme 2026-27

Nathan Whitfield, Principal Engineer – Drainage, presented the report on the Highways Drainage Works Programme for 2026-27. The programme outlines the reactive, cyclic, and planned aspects of highway drainage maintenance, including responses to low-level flooding.

An additional £925,000 has been allocated for minor drainage schemes, with specific funding for flooding hotspots, laterals and outfalls (£800,000), jammed ironwork (£50,000), additional grip cutting (£200,000), SuDS maintenance (£50,000), and cyclic cleansing on streets with parking challenges (£50,000).

Councillor Kevin John Clarke raised concerns about surface water flooding and the council receiving blame when blockages might lie with other authorities such as Anglian Water or the Environment Agency. He highlighted ongoing issues in areas like St Catherine's and Westbrook Road, which had been ongoing for two years without significant progress. Officers confirmed active collaboration with partners, with regular meetings and shared issues. They explained that Anglian Water was investigating issues at St Catherine's and Westbrook Road, with progress dependent on river levels and inspections.

Councillor Mrs Charlotte Louise Edwards Vernon expressed concern about the lack of detail in the report and requested more information on individual schemes and the allocation of the additional funding. Councillor Thomas Edmund Sneath welcomed the additional funding and the clear structure of the programme, but also highlighted the sensitivity and visibility of drainage issues for residents.

The committee discussed the prioritization of flooding hotspots, with officers explaining that Section 19 reports are undertaken following flooding incidents, and that data on gully cleansing is used to identify and target problem areas. A two-pronged approach of gully cleansing and pipe system cleansing to outfalls is being adopted.

Concerns were also raised about the communication of cancelled works and the need for councillors to be informed promptly to assist residents. Officers acknowledged this and are developing a council portal to improve visibility of works and changes.

Highways and Transport Scrutiny Committee Work Programme

Hannah Colclough, Scrutiny Officer, presented the committee's work programme for the coming year. The next meeting was scheduled for 8 June 2026, with items including the Winter Service Plan 2026, the Nettleham Road Roundabout Scheme, and the Highways Performance Report.

Councillor Mrs Charlotte Louise Edwards Vernon proposed several new items for the work programme: the effectiveness of the Street Works Charter, the impact of digital infrastructure along highways, and a paper showing total highways work and spend per division to identify inequalities. Councillor Ingrid Sheard supported the idea of a report on highways work and spend per division. The committee agreed to approve the work programme, subject to the consideration of these suggestions.