Hertfordshire Council News

14 Oct 2026

£1m road repair programme begins to prevent winter potholes

£1m road repair programme begins to prevent winter potholes: Untitled Design (66)

Hertfordshire County Council is investing £1 million of existing highways funding in a targeted programme of preventative road repairs to help reduce the risk of potholes forming this winter.

The programme will focus on identifying and repairing minor road defects, such as cracks and surface deterioration, before colder temperatures, frost and wet weather have the chance to make them worse. 

By carrying out repairs earlier, the council aims to protect the condition of Hertfordshire's roads, reduce disruption for road users and avoid the need for more extensive and costly repairs later in the season.

Councillor Stephen Giles-Medhurst OBE, Executive Member for Highways at Hertfordshire County Council, said: 

"Winter weather can be particularly challenging for our roads, with water, frost and traffic all contributing to the development of potholes. That's why we're taking action now. We're investing £1 million in preventative works across the county, allowing us to repair minor defects before they develop into larger problems. This approach is about being proactive wherever possible, helping to keep Hertfordshire's roads in better condition throughout the winter months and reducing the need for more significant repairs later on." 

The preventative programme forms part of the council's wider preparations for winter. While gritting and responding to weather-related damage remain an important part of keeping the network moving, preventing defects from deteriorating in the first place is also a key priority. 

Highways teams will be carrying out targeted repairs at locations across the county over the coming months, focusing on areas where early intervention can make the greatest difference to road condition and network resilience. 

Stephen Giles-Medhurst added:

"Preparing for winter isn't just about responding when problems occur. It's about taking practical steps now to help prevent them. By investing in these preventative repairs, we're working to protect our roads, improve journeys for residents and make the best use of the funding already available."

About Hertfordshire County Council

We are working to build a sustainable, inclusive and thriving Hertfordshire, as we deliver hundreds of services to the 1.2million people who live in the county.

We want to create a county where every resident thrives and achieves their aspirations, where economic growth, innovation and industry are supported, and our environment is protected for future generations.

Above all, we want to be a council that Hertfordshire’s people recognise as being on their side.

To find out more about our key priorities and our commitments to our residents visit www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/corporateplan