Potential Pothole Solution, MEP calls for Concrete rethink

East Midlands Conservative MEP, Emma McClarkin, has this week visited Ketton Cement Works in Rutland, to hear about developments in the industry, following a recent meeting on how concrete roads today present a potential solution to potholes.

After meeting representatives of the concrete industry in Brussels, Miss McClarkin was interested to learn about the advances in concrete road materials that make them no noisier than asphalt roads but far more durable and pothole resistant.

From left to right, Iain Walpole (Senior Environment Manager), Emma McClarkin MEP, and Stewart Jones (Plant Manager), at Ketton Solar Farm.

Potholes cost British motorists an estimated £2.8billion each year, with local authorities having to pay out an additional £30 million in compensation claims. However, concrete roads are estimated to have a 40 year life cycle as opposed to the more common asphalt surface, which only lasts 10 years. Whilst concrete is marginally more expensive, it is an option that is rarely considered in public road resurfacing contracts.

First established in 1928, Ketton Cement Works now produces about a tenth of the UK’s Portland Cement, and is one of the most efficient cement works in Europe.

Following Miss McClarkin’s meeting with Stewart Jones (Plant Manager), Iain Walpole (Environmental Manager) and David Weeks (Comms Manager), she was given a guided tour of the site.

Miss McClarkin said:

“Ketton Cement Works has been part of the local area for nearly a century now, and the company does a lot of work supporting the community in Stamford.

“It was fascinating to hear from them about the many different uses that cement has, and of particular interest to me were the developments in concrete roads, which could mean roads with fewer potholes.

“Asphalt has long been considered the best option because old concrete roads were loud and punishing on car tyres, but the new types and formulas of concrete that we are seeing suggest this may no longer be the case. Concrete, in the long term, could provide the best value for money for local authorities and should therefore be given due consideration.”

David Weeks said:

“Our principal concern is the potential impact on our business of proposals for Phase IV of the EU emissions trading scheme, which could lead to reduced investment in the industry and the threat of imports flooding into the UK market. We hope Emma can influence the debate at European level to ensure cement gets a fair deal.”