Grantown on Spade? No just a Patcher
New state-of-the-art road repair equipment was put to the test this week as part of The Highland Council’s efforts to combat the problem of potholes on the roads within the region.
Independent councillors, Richard Greene and Jaci Douglas were in attendance as the equipment, known as the Jetpatcher, was put into action in Grantown on Monday (May 23).
The Jetpatcher can fill and seal potholes in just five minutes at a reduced cost compared with traditional methods, and is considered to be the most efficient means currently available for repairing road defects.
Cllr Greene, who is also vice-chair of the council’s Community Services Committee, admitted that while the Jetpatcher could not undertake major repairs it would make a positive impact: “The Jetpatcher is only a part of the road repair programme, and does not replace cyclical maintenance, surface dressing, or resurfacing, which will continue as previously, however, it will assist tremendously in early repair action and speed up the ongoing repair of pothole damage.”
Highland Council currently has use of two Jetpatchers on hire for a 13-week period over the summer to tackle the backlog of road repairs. The council’s own vehicle, which is made to order, is expected to be delivered later this year.
