The Highways and Transport Scrutiny Committee met on Monday, 27 April 2026, to discuss the JCB Pothole Pro trial, the Highways Drainage Works Programme for 2026-27, and the committee's work programme. A decision was made to retain the JCB Pothole Pro on contract due to its effectiveness and value for money. The committee also reviewed and commented on the proposed drainage works programme and approved the committee's work programme for the coming year.

JCB Pothole Pro Trial Update

The committee received an update on the JCB Pothole Pro trial, which has been running since September 2025. Jonathan Evans, Head of Highways Client, and Tom Gifford, Client and Contract Manager, presented the findings. The trial focused on using the Pothole Pro for small patching works rather than individual pothole repairs, a shift from an earlier trial in 2022. The machine has demonstrated value for money, operational effectiveness, and significant health and safety benefits for operatives.

Balfour Beatty, the council's long-term delivery partner, has chosen to retain the Pothole Pro on contract. This decision was influenced by increased confidence in its productivity, budget certainty, and a consistent way of working. The machine has exceeded its target output of 60 square metres per day, averaging 64 square metres. Its flexibility has been particularly valuable, allowing it to be used for various tasks, including repairs following drought damage. The report highlighted that the Pothole Pro is slightly more expensive than alternative methods but offers up to 5% greater efficiency due to its output. Challenges remain in programming and planning to minimise expensive low loader movements, but the machine's ability to self-propel offers savings.

Concerns were raised by councillors regarding the clarity of reporting, the commercial arrangements, and the training of additional drivers. Officers confirmed that Balfour Beatty owns the machine and leases it to the contract on a day-rate basis. They also assured the committee that plans are in place to train more drivers and explore the possibility of running double shifts to accommodate heavy workloads. The report noted that the machine's effectiveness in patching work has led to the suggestion it should be renamed the Patchwork Pro.

Highways Drainage Works Programme 2026-27

Nathan Whitfield, Principal Engineer – Drainage, presented the Highways Drainage Works Programme for 2026-27. The report outlined the reactive, cyclic, and planned aspects of highway drainage maintenance, including the response to low-level flooding. An additional £925,000 has been allocated to enhance drainage systems, with funds earmarked for flooding hotspots, laterals and outfalls, jammed ironwork, additional grip cutting, SuDS maintenance, and cyclic cleansing on streets with parking challenges.

Councillors expressed concerns about the clarity of responsibilities regarding drainage, particularly when issues involve third-party assets and riparian ownership. Councillor Kevin John Clarke highlighted persistent flooding issues in areas like St. Catherine's and Westbrook Road, questioning the effectiveness of collaboration with partners such as Anglian Water. Officers assured the committee that active work is being undertaken with partners, with regular meetings and shared issues. They acknowledged challenges with parked cars hindering gully cleansing and outlined plans to improve communication and, as a last resort, consider moving vehicles to ensure works can be completed.

The committee also discussed the prioritization of flooding hotspots, the impact of changing climate, and the need for more detailed reporting on schemes and funding allocation. Councillor Mrs Charlotte Louise Edwards Vernon noted the lack of detail in the report and requested more information on individual schemes and the use of additional funding. Officers committed to providing more detailed information in future reports 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 programme includes upcoming items such as the Winter Service Plan 2026, the Nettleham Road Roundabout Scheme, and the Highways Performance Report. The committee will also have an informal Q&A session on Education Transport following the next formal meeting.

Members suggested additional items for the work programme, including a review of the Street Works Charter to monitor its effectiveness, an examination of digital infrastructure along highways and its impact on rural communities, and a report detailing total highways work and spend per division to identify any inequalities. Councillor Thomas Edmund Sneath supported the suggestion for a report on divisional spend. The committee approved the work programme, subject to the consideration of these suggestions.