Better Science for Preventing Potholes 

The Government is rolling out data collection vans across the country to gain a better understanding of the condition of our roading network. The idea is to prevent potholes from forming in the first place, says Transport Minister, Simeon Brown.

“Increasing productivity to help rebuild our economy is a key priority for the Government. Increasing data collection to prevent potholes will deliver a safe and efficient network that will support this growth.

“Today, I travelled in one of the new Consistent Condition Data Collection (CCDC) survey vans being delivered as part of the Road Efficiency Group (REG) to see first-hand how better data collection will help to deliver better results for road users.

“These vans will provide consistent, high quality surface condition data at a scale never seen in New Zealand before, replacing the inefficient and manual on-the-ground inspections currently happening in many locations across the country.

“Manual inspections often lead to poorer data collection, variations as a result of human error, and increased risk to inspectors’ safety while working in traffic.

“Rolling out CCDC survey vans means we will have more on-demand data about our road network to identify the parts of it that are in need of pothole prevention work. These vans will also enable consistent collection methods for all Road Controlling Authorities (RCAs) as they are rolled out and used more widely.

“CCDC vans are now undertaking surveys on local roads in Auckland, Christchurch, Tauranga, Western Bay of Plenty, Marlborough, Nelson, and Tasman. Over the next ten months, around 80,000 kilometres of local roads will be surveyed, providing high-quality surface condition data to RCAs across the country to reduce the number of potholes on our roads.

“To deliver the critical resealing, rehabilitation and drainage maintenance work that will be required to prevent potholes on our roads, the Government has delivered a 91 per cent funding boost for pothole prevention on the State Highway network and a 50 per cent funding boost for pothole prevention on local roads.”

Initiatives like the CCDC are key to delivering on NZTA’s first performance and efficiency plan that is required in response to the Government Policy Statement on land transport 2024.

“The Performance and Efficiency Plan will ensure that NZTA is focused on getting back to basics and achieving value for money with every dollar spent, focusing on fixing and preventing potholes and delivering the roads our country needs.

“Our Government is focused on delivering better outcomes for New Zealanders and enabling them to get where they want to go, quickly and safely.”