ESSEX Highways is trialling a new method of repairing potholes which involves filling parts of damaged road with an asphalt made out of recycled materials.

The current method involves cutting out the surrounding road surface before pouring fresh asphalt into the defect, but the new technique, which is being trialled in Colchester and Tendring, reduces the need for the road to be dug up.

Once any deeper holes have been filled and compacted, the asphalt, which is partly made up of old lorry tyres, is poured over the surface as a molten liquid to form a waterproof patch over the area.

The intention is that the liquid fills minor defects, prevents further cracks or holes from developing, and cools within minutes to reduce the amount of time a road is closed compared to a more traditional repair.

If the new technique being trialled across Colchester and Tendring results in quicker, cheaper, and more environmentally friendly road repairs it will be rolled out more widely across the county.

Lee Scott, cabinet member for highways maintenance and sustainable transport, said: “The biggest test will be how the material holds up under winter conditions before we can commit to rolling it out across the county.”