The Conservative Group on Monmouthshire County Council has welcomed proposals for new road-repair technology, additional highways inspectors, electronic reporting and a greater focus on value for money.

They say their persistent opposition scrutiny has secured a major rethink of the way the county repairs its roads – three years after Cllr Tony Kear first pushed for a different approach.

The changes follow the highways review initiated by Llanbadoc and Usk Conservative Councillor Tony Kear, whose motion was agreed by Full Council in March. The motion demanded an urgent review of alternative repair methods, full cost analysis, an action plan and transparent performance data.

In March 2025, councillors raised the potential use of specialist pothole machinery, including approaches used by other Welsh authorities. The council indicated that its operations managers had considered equipment options, but did not believe machinery was currently the main issue. Instead, it emphasised the need for more fundamental, longer-lasting highway works rather than repeatedly relying on temporary repairs.

The council has been reviewing its approach to pothole repairs as concerns have grown about the condition of roads and the durability of short-term patching. The review comes against a significant rise in reported potholes: requests increased from 669 in 2017/18 to 4,360 in 2025/26, while the average time between a report and repair rose from 10.5 days in 2019/20 to 18.7 days in 2025/26.

The review recommends two additional highways inspectors so reported defects can be properly inspected, categorised and prioritised rather than simply passed to operational teams. It also proposes purchasing a £60,000 Bobcat Skid Steer for planned permanent repairs and using more durable Viafix material during wet and cold conditions.

The council has also allocated an additional £2 million of highways capital funding over three years to improve the road network.

Electronic reporting is another major element. New software, tablets and improvements to My Council Services will create a more joined-up system from a resident first reporting a pothole through to inspection, repair and completion.

The report also proposes clearer performance measures, including how many potholes are reported and repaired, whether repairs are completed within target times and the overall condition of Monmouthshire’s roads.

Cllr Kear told the Beacon: “Residents came to us because they were frustrated with the condition of their roads, and we kept raising those concerns and demanding a better approach.

“I first pushed for different technology and better ways of repairing potholes three years ago. We could have made more progress sooner. Instead, it has taken continued pressure and a formal Conservative motion to secure this comprehensive review.

“There is still a debate to be had about whether every recommendation goes far enough, but better inspection and prioritisation, electronic reporting, clearer performance information and a focus on longer-lasting repairs are significant steps.”

A spokesman for Monmouthshire County Council said: “ Following a consideration of the trials, the recommendation is, Viafix will be the preferred fill method in wet and cold conditions due to its durability and longevity.Recommendations will be considered at full council this Thursday (24 September 2026)