The Highways and Transport Scrutiny Committee of Lincolnshire Council met on Monday, 27 April 2026, to discuss the JCB Pothole Pro trial and the Highways Drainage Works Programme for 2026-27. The committee reviewed the progress and effectiveness of the Pothole Pro trial, with a decision made to retain the machine on contract due to its value for money and operational effectiveness. The committee also considered the Highways Drainage Works Programme, discussing strategies for reactive, cyclic, and planned maintenance, as well as low-level flooding responses.

JCB Pothole Pro Trial Update

The committee received an update on the JCB Pothole Pro trial, which has been running since September 2025. The report detailed the value for money, operational effectiveness, and outputs of the trial. It was confirmed that Lincolnshire County Council (LCC), in partnership with its delivery partner Balfour Beatty, will retain the Pothole Pro on contract. This decision was based on increased confidence in its productivity, output, and cost-effectiveness compared to alternative methods.

The trial focused on small patching works rather than individual pothole repairs, targeting areas between 3m² and 30m². Balfour Beatty owns the Pothole Pro machine and it is leased to the contract on a day-works rate. The machine has demonstrated an average output of 64m² per day, exceeding the target of 60m² and the output of previous alternative delivery routes. The report highlighted the machine's flexibility, including its use during a road closure on Bardney Causeway to complete 376m² of repairs.

Concerns were raised by councillors regarding the commercial arrangements, the number of trained drivers, and the potential for the machine to become an albatross if its use became less efficient. Officers explained that Balfour Beatty would always seek the best delivery mechanism within the contract and that the Pothole Pro's retention was a commercial decision based on demonstrated productivity and value. The council's increased budget for reactive maintenance provided the certainty for Balfour Beatty to retain the machine.

The report also noted the health and safety benefits of the Pothole Pro, reducing the need for operatives to perform physically demanding tasks and minimising the interface between people and plant. The committee was informed that Balfour Beatty is in the process of training more drivers and investigating the possibility of running a night and day shift to accommodate heavy workloads.

Highways Drainage Works Programme 2026-27

The committee reviewed the Highways Drainage Works Programme for 2026-27, which outlines the reactive, cyclic, and planned aspects of highway drainage maintenance and improvements, including responses to low-level flooding. An additional £925,000 has been allocated for minor drainage schemes, with funds designated 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).

A major renewal scheme is planned for Aslackby due to severe structural deterioration of existing assets. Several other schemes are in the development phase for future programming, including those in St Andrews Road, Spalding; Main Road, Doddington; Welbourn; and Lincoln Road, Leasingham. High-risk locations, such as the northbound exit slip road at the A1 Colsterworth by Woolsthorpe junction, will also see schemes delivered. A rolling programme of improvement works for the county's ten highway pumping stations is also in place.

Councillors raised concerns about the effectiveness of gully cleansing, particularly in areas with parked cars, and the challenges of coordinating with partner authorities such as Anglian Water. Councillor Kevin John Clarke highlighted persistent flooding issues in areas like St. Catherine's and Westbrook Road, expressing frustration with the lack of progress and communication with partners. Shaun Butcher, Head of Highways Asset and Local Management Services, acknowledged the historical issues with parked cars and outlined improved communication strategies, including advanced notification and the potential for temporary vehicle removal as a last resort.

Councillor Christopher John Reeve welcomed the additional funding for minor drainage improvements but raised concerns about riparian ownership and the council's enforcement powers over private drainage. Officers explained that an educate and negotiate process is typically followed, with enforcement being a last resort. Councillor Thomas Edmund Sneath commended the clear structure and additional funding, welcoming the balance between reactive, cyclic, and planned schemes, and inquired about the prioritisation of flooding hotspots. Nathan Whitfield, Principal Engineer – Drainage, explained that Section 19 reports are undertaken for flooding incidents, and that data on gully cleansing is being used to identify and target hotspot areas for both gully and pipe system cleansing.

Councillor Mrs Charlotte Louise Edwards Vernon expressed disappointment with the lack of detail in the report and requested more information on individual schemes and the allocation of additional funding. She also highlighted the importance of informing councillors of cancelled works at short notice to help manage resident expectations. Officers agreed to improve visibility of planned works and explore methods for notifying councillors of changes.

Highways and Transport Scrutiny Committee Work Programme

The committee reviewed its work programme for the coming year. Items scheduled for the next meeting on 8 June 2026 include the Winter Service Plan 2026, the Nettleham Road Roundabout Scheme, and the Highways Performance Report. Councillor Mrs Charlotte Louise Edwards Vernon proposed the inclusion of the Streets Works Charter, digital infrastructure along the highway, and a report showing total highways work and spend per division to identify inequalities. Councillor Ingrid Sheard supported the suggestion for a report on highways work and spend per division. The committee approved the work programme, subject to the consideration of these suggestions.