RAINWATER MANAGEMENT
POTHOLES AHEAD The government’s 10-Year Infrastructure Strategy
includes a commitment to invest £24 billion in the local road network by 2030.
frequency of heavy rainfall. So, future-proofing against flood risks is essential to the longevity and safety of our new builds.
“At Polypipe Building Products, for example, we help to sustainably safeguard homes and reduce flood risks through below ground drainage systems that stop surface water from becoming a problem and directs rainwater away from homes and into drains.”
Smarter drainage decisions Identifying the right drainage solutions for different site needs through integrated, site- specific drainage planning is vital, especially when working on new development projects. Cochrane says that inadequate drainage decisions made early in a project can lead to significant long-term consequences, including localised flooding, erosion, property damage, and the undermining of foundations and infrastructure.
“By collaborating closely with manufacturers and contractors, merchants can help future- proof developments through the specification and supply of tailored drainage systems. Through the reduction of costly repairs and ongoing maintenance, this integrated approach allows for the creation of end-to-end solutions that are not only fit for purpose but also cost-efficient,” he says.
By carrying excess water underground, these systems ensure communities remain clean, safe, and structurally sound – especially during periods of heavy rainfall or increased water usage. Ultimately, drainage decisions must be informed by site conditions, expected water loads, and sustainability goals. Site- specific planning ensures that each solution is not only technically appropriate but also resilient, adaptable, and aligned with wider environmental and regulatory standards.
D
espite a government commitment to spending £24bn on local roads, potholes remain one of the most visible and frustrating signs of the current strain on roads. Paul Thompson, technical specification manager at civil engineering solutions provider Wrekin Products, says: “Despite the promise of long-term investment in infrastructure, the reality on the roads tells a different story. The backlog of carriageway repairs in England and Wales remains severe, with recent estimates putting the figure at around £15.6 billion. What’s more, data continues to show that over half of the local road network has less than 15 years’ structural life remaining. The critical underlying issue here, which is highly and unhelpfully politicised, is the vast quantity of potholes.
“Road users want to see immediate action;
meanwhile local authorities want to be seen to be fixing the issue. However, funding needs to be used wisely to prevent the formation of potholes in the first instance so that the longevity of our road network is increased and the need for costly, constant repairs is reduced. “The mindset of those responsible for road maintenance needs to shift to one which focusses on whole life cost. Our view is backed by the Local Government Association (LGA), which represents councils and said the government should focus on preventative measures rather than “reactively” fixing potholes.
“Working with local authorities for many years, we’re fully aware of the power that correctly installed and high-quality materials can have on the likelihood of potholes forming. Issues typically arise when weaknesses exist in the road surface, potentially due to surfacing joints, remedial works, or the use of poor-quality materials. Addressing these weaknesses stops the cycle before it can begin. Every 16 seconds a pothole is filled, which is simply not sustainable. Surface failures and failing ironwork go hand in hand, so we need this connection to be more widely recognised.
“Though the initial cost of measures like this is higher than patchwork repairs, soon enough the expenses from further repairs, disruption to roads while carrying them out, and damage to vehicles from untreated potholes makes the potential savings for local authorities and their residents alike astronomical.
“It was recently revealed that under new government plans there will be greater monitoring of local authority performance on road maintenance, with councils expected to publish annual reports in order to maintain access to millions of pounds in funding. The Department for Transport has also contacted local highway authorities to outline what this reporting should include, covering both reactive and preventative work. Importantly, it reinforces that temporary quick fixes should be avoided wherever possible and that a focus on prevention delivers better long-term value.”
“We see this as a positive step forward but urge those responsible for road maintenance to see potholes as more than just a surface issue. Within the framework of a 10-year infrastructure vision, long-term, below-the-surface solutions must become the standard rather than the exception.”
With so many factors to consider in the current climate, a combined system is often the best approach.
By using rainwater management and source control systems for roofs and podiums, in conjunction with drainage pipe systems, areas can be effectively integrated to control water flow into underground drainage systems.
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He adds: “Polypipe Building Products, along with other Genuit Group businesses, offer a comprehensive product range for merchants across underground drainage, as well as above-ground systems (soil, waste, and rainwater), adoptable sewer solutions, SuDS & attenuation systems, and stormwater management.” BMJ
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net September 2025
Above: Paul Thompson: the backlog of repairs to carriageways in England and Wales remains severe.
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