The government believes rehabilitation work as part of the $3.9 billion fund will stop potholes from being formed in the first place. Photo: RNZ / Lois Williams
Ninety-eight percent of potholes on state highways have been repaired within 24 hours, according to figures released by the New Zealand Transport Agency.
The figures exceed targets set by the government, which ordered NZTA to fix 95 percent of potholes within 24 hours in July.
Transport Minister Chris Bishop said it showed the government's pothole prevention plan was getting strong results.
"Since our targets were introduced, NZTA has delivered every month with greater use of new innovations to ensure that temporary pothole repairs last longer before a permanent reseal can take place, instead of simply placing cold mix in potholes," he said.
Photo: Supplied / NZTA / Waka Kotahi
Last year the government established a three-year ringfenced $3.9 billion pothole prevention fund for resealing, rehabilitation, and drainage maintenance works on state highways and local roads.
Bishop said the rehabilitation work would prevent potholes from being formed in the first place.
"Increasing productivity to help rebuild our economy is a key priority for our government, and boosting pothole repairs and prevention will deliver a safe and efficient state highway network that will support this growth," he said.
A dedicated tipline was also set up, so members of the public could report potholes to NZTA.
The summer maintenance programme started in October, and will run until March.
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