Our procurement and contracting approaches encourage and reward innovative practice.
We regularly review innovative materials and maintenance techniques. Where they are proven to be effective, we incorporate them into day-to-day highway maintenance activities.
We trial new innovations. We share the findings publicly or through professional networks.
Evidence summary
We encourage innovation and continuously look for new ways to improve the efficiency, sustainability and value of highway maintenance.
Recent initiatives include:
- recycling tar-bound road materials for reuse in carriageway maintenance schemes
- using thermal patching techniques to reduce waste and improve repair efficiency
- working with contractors to identify innovative materials, technologies and working methods
We also take part in the LCRIG Highways Alliance Working Group, helping us share knowledge, learn from other authorities and adopt industry best practice.
These approaches help us reduce costs, lower environmental impacts and improve the way we maintain and manage the highway network.
More information about innovative activites
We review new products, technologies and working methods to improve highway maintenance, reduce environmental impacts and provide better value for money.
Recent improvements include:
- introducing the Pothole Pro repair system to improve repair efficiency
- using warm-mix asphalt to help reduce carbon emissions
- increasing the use of recycled plastic kerbs
- replacing diesel-powered pressure washers with electric alternatives
- introducing battery-powered respiratory protective equipment and electric line-marking equipment
- using Reactec monitoring technology to support safer working practices
- installing live fleet telematics across highways depots to improve operational management
We have also established dedicated drainage repair teams supported by specialist CCTV inspection equipment and adopted UK Road Patch materials to support highway maintenance.
These investments help us improve safety, increase efficiency, reduce environmental impacts and enhance the management of the highway network.
Examples of innovations that we've adopted
Use of battery operated equipment and vehicles as a stand alone team.
Use of CCTV drainage equipment as part of a dedicated drainage repair team
Use of tarmac recycling unit which eliminates removal of tar bound materials.
RoadAI
We use Vaisala RoadAI to support highway safety inspections and improve our understanding of the condition of the highway network.
The system helps us to:
- identify and classify road surface defects
- monitor the condition of road signs and road markings
- maintain highway asset records
- support maintenance planning and scheme prioritisation
Inspection footage is reviewed and analysed using computer vision and artificial intelligence (AI), helping us collect more detailed and consistent information about the network.
RoadAI condition data supports our maintenance programmes and helps us identify where investment is needed most. The system also provides PAS 2161-compliant road condition data.
We are using RoadAI to assess the condition of road markings, identify areas requiring improvement and support the development of maintenance schemes.
The system has also been used to create a new traffic sign inventory. We continue to improve the accuracy of sign location and condition data and are exploring additional uses, including pothole detection and drainage asset data collection.
AI traffic monitoring technology
In June 2026, we introduced AI-powered traffic monitoring technology to help us better understand how people travel across Cumberland and support future transport and infrastructure planning.
The technology collects anonymised data on the movement of:
- vehicles
- cyclists
- pedestrains
This information helps us:
- understand travel patterns
- improve traffic management
- identify areas where improvements may be needed
- make informed decisions about future transport investment
By using reliable data, we can better plan transport improvements and ensure investment is targeted where it will have the greatest benefit.
Recycling of tar bound road plannings
We use cold on-site recycling to repair roads containing tar-bound materials, allowing existing road materials to be reused rather than removed and disposed of.
This approach is particularly effective on older rural roads, where it helps strengthen the road structure while reducing the need for new materials.
Benefits include:
- reusing existing road materials
- reducing waste and disposal costs
- reducing vehicle movements and transport emissions
- lowering the demand for new construction materials
- improving the condition and resilience of rural roads
By recycling materials on site, we can deliver more sustainable highway improvements while making the best use of available resources.
Thermal patching
We first trialled thermal patching in 2023 to complement traditional road repair methods, particularly in urban areas.
Following a successful trial, we have expanded its use and increased the number of teams and equipment available to carry out these repairs.
Thermal patching works by reheating and reusing existing road material, which helps to:
- reduce waste
- reduce the amount of new material required
- improve repair efficiency
- lower the environmental impact of maintenance works
Where suitable, thermal patching provides a durable repair solution that supports our wider approach to sustainable highway maintenance.
Reactec
We use Reactec technology to help protect the health, safety and wellbeing of our workforce.
The system uses wearable devices and real-time data to monitor exposure to risks such as hand-arm vibration from tools and equipment.
This helps us to:
- identify potential health risks earlier
- make informed decisions about working practices
- select the most appropriate equipment
- reduce workplace risks
- improve health and safety monitoring
By using accurate data, we can better protect employees, support regulatory compliance and continuously improve our approach to occupational health and safety.
Electric line marker
We use electric line-marking equipment to support more sustainable highway maintenance.
Compared with traditional fuel-powered equipment, electric line markers help to:
- reduce carbon emission
- lower noise levels
- improve the working environment for operators
- support cleaner day-to-day highway operations
Introducing lower-emission technology is one of the way we are reducing the environmental impact of highway maintenance while continuing to deliver essential services across the network.
Battery powered respiratory protective equipment
We use battery-powered respiratory protective equipment to help keep our highways workforce safe while reducing environmental impact.
Compared with disposable masks, the equipment is designed for long-term use, helping to:
- reduce single-use waste
- lower the environmental impact of manufacturing and disposal
- support our sustainability goals
- provide reliable protection for employees
The rechargeable equipment offers a high level of protection and improved comfort, helping to encourage consistent use and support safe working practices.
By investing in reusable equipment, we can improve workforce safety while reducing waste and supporting more sustainable highway maintenance.
UK Road Patch
We use UK Road Patch technology to help deliver longer-lasting pothole repairs.
The system helps to seal repairs and prevent water from entering the road surface, reducing the risk of further deterioration.
Benefits include:
- extending the life of pothole repairs
- reducing the need for repeat visits
- lowering maintenance costs over time
- reducing vehicle movements and fuel use
- cutting the use of materials and associated emissions
By reducing the need for future interventions, this approach supports a more resilient, sustainable and cost-effective highway maintenance programme.
Fleet telematics
We use live fleet telematics to help manage our highway maintenance operations more efficiently.
The system provides real-time information on the location of vehicles and resources, helping us to:
- deploy the nearest available team to incidents and defects
- improve response times
- make better use of staff, vehicles and equipment
- reduce unnecessary travel across the network
By reducing avoidable journeys and fuel use, fleet telematics helps us improve operational efficiency while supporting our carbon reduction goals.
JCB Pothole Pro
We use the JCB Pothole Pro to make pothole repairs quicker, safer and more efficient.
The machine combines several repair tasks into one process, helping us to:
- complete repairs more quickly
- reduce the time roadworks are in place
- minimise disruption for road users
- use fewer vehicles, equipment and resources on site
- reduce fuel consumption and emissions
The technology also improves safety by reducing manual handling and limiting employee exposure to operational risks.
In-house paving machine
We have invested in an in-house paving machine to increase our ability to deliver carriageway improvement schemes directly.
The machine helps us to:
- carry out resurfacing works more efficiently
- improve the quality of road surfaces
- respond more quickly to maintenance needs
- reduce reliance on external contractors
- provide better value for money
Our highways teams have received specialist training to ensure the machine is operated safely and effectively.
By carrying out more work in-house, we can increase our capacity to deliver high-quality highway improvements and help keep roads in good condition for residents, businesses and visitors.
Plastic kerbs
Where suitable for the location and scheme requirements, plastic kerbs are increasingly used by our in-house highway's teams.
Their lighter weight helps reduce manual handling risks for operatives during installation.
We assess the use of plastic kerbs on a scheme-by-scheme basis, taking account of site conditions, engineering requirements and the intended use of the highway.
Warm mix bituminous material (instead of hot mix)
Following successful trials, we now use warm-mix asphalt on our resurfacing schemes.
Warm-mix asphalt is produced and laid at lower temperatures than traditional asphalt, helping us to:
- reduce carbon emissions
- lower energy use during construction
- support more sustainable highway maintenance
- continue delivering durable resurfacing treatments
Using warm-mix asphalt is one of the ways we are reducing the environmental impact of highway maintenance while keeping roads in good condition.
Electric pressure washers
Following successful trials, we have replaced diesel-powered pressure-washing facilities with fully electric alternatives across its highway's depots.
The change eliminates emissions at the point of use, reduces reliance on diesel-powered equipment and supports the our wider decarbonisation objectives.
Drone surveys
We use drone technology to support the inspection of bridges and other highway structures.
Drones help us capture detailed images and survey data from locations that can be difficult to access safely. The information collected can be used to create detailed 3D models, improving our understanding of the condition of structures and helping us identify potential defects.
This approach helps us:
- improve the quality of inspection data
- identify issues more effectively
- reduce the need for inspectors to work in difficult or hazardous locations
- support better maintenance planning and decision-making
By using drone technology, we can carry out inspections more safely and efficiently while improving the management of highway assets.
SMART Shot AI
We are trialling KaarbonTech SMART Shot AI to help identify potential flooding, drainage issues and land instability at an early stage.
The technology is designed to provide early warning of developing problems, allowing us to investigate issues sooner and take action before more significant damage occurs.
The trial will help us assess how intelligent monitoring technology can support:
- proactive maintenance
- risk-based decision-making
- flood risk management
- improved network resilience
By identifying potential issues earlier, we can better target resources, reduce disruption and help protect the highway network from future damage.