Press Release
No Responses September 26, 2025

Preventative road maintenance plays a vital role in keeping our communities safe and connected. It is also more cost-effective than simply relying on a reactive maintenance strategy. But explaining its value to residents isn’t always straightforward. When a road appears to be in good condition, it can be puzzling to see it undergoing treatment. Without industry knowledge, many residents may question the need for early intervention.

To support local councillors in bridging this gap, the Road Emulsion Association (REA) has released a free communications guide. This resource is designed to help councillors clearly and confidently explain why preventative maintenance matters, highlighting how timely treatments extend the life of our roads, reduce long-term costs, and minimise disruption for everyone.

Cllr Tom Hunt, Chair of the LGA’s Inclusive Growth Committee, said:
“While many people across the country understand the urgent need for pothole filling, they are less likely to understand the vital role that preventative road maintenance plays as a cost-effective and more environmentally friendly way of preventing potholes from forming in the first place.”
 
“This guide will help residents and all road-users to understand how short-term disruption from preventative measures can deliver long term benefits for their communities. It complements the LGA’s own recently published guide aimed at helping councillors drive productivity in their council’s approach to highways maintenance.”
Whether you’re speaking at a public meeting, responding to concerns online, or engaging with residents face-to-face, this guide offers practical tools and messaging strategies to help you make the case for proactive road care.
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