Sunderland Echo

Firm’s new machines

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and are ready for traffic immediatel­y, minimising disruption for road users.

The self-contained machines have a capacity to carry out up to 200 permanent repairs per day.

In 2017, over 1.5 million potholes were filled on the UK’s road network costing taxpayers £94.9 million.

Typically, a Velocity repair costs £12 compared to a national average of £52, allowing local authoritie­s to complete more repairs.

Designed and manufactur­ed by Velocity in Sunderland, the two new machines join a fleet of twenty operating throughout the UK.

Dominic Gardner, managing director of Velocity, said: “2017 was a record year for Velocity.

“The demand for our services has continued to grow with over 300,000 repairs already delivered in 2018.

“This year we have added five machines to our fleet and trained new operators to carry out repairs.

“Velocity Patching is an important component in the asset management strategy of our customers, helping them to get more from their budget.

“Our order book has grown with both new customers and existing customers expanding their programmes with us.

“This significan­t investment will help us keep up with demand.”

The first of the new machines left Sunderland for West Yorkshire for a programme of repairs in Bradford.

Dave Mazurke, Group Manager Highways Maintenanc­e at Bradford Metropolit­an Borough Council said: “For us, Velocity Patching is an absolute winner.

“The machine is an innovative piece of kit, and the speed of repairs means the productivi­ty is phenomenal. As a contractor, the operators are very good.

“They’re always available, helpful and ready for feedback.

“In Bradford, we’ve reduced the number of potholes by 25% over the past few years. Velocity have contribute­d to that, and we get a lot of positive feedback from elected members and the public.”

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