Staffordshire County Council has completed surface dressing on more than 650 roads across the county this year as part of a preventive maintenance programme aimed at reducing potholes and extending road lifespan. The work, spanning over 1.4 million square metres—roughly the size of 200 football pitches—includes key routes such as the B5017 New Street in Burton, B5027 Uttoxeter Road in Stone, A34 Stone Road in Tittensor, A4091 Coleshill Road in Fazeley, and Mount Road in Newcastle.

Surface dressing involves carrying out structural repairs followed by the application of a new protective top layer. According to the council, this treatment helps protect road surfaces from deterioration and can extend the life of roads by up to 15 years. The initiative aligns with the county’s broader highway strategy focused on long-term improvements to the road network.

Peter Mason, cabinet member for strategic highways, emphasized the council's commitment to proactive maintenance, stating that prevention is preferable to more costly repairs. He noted that crews overcame challenges related to extreme temperatures during summer months by adapting working hours and methods. The ongoing work will continue into autumn, weather permitting, as dry conditions are necessary for the surface treatments to be effective.

In addition to roads, the council is also conducting preventive surface treatments on footpaths, expecting to cover around 124,000 square metres before the season concludes. The comprehensive programme reflects an effort to improve conditions for residents, businesses, and visitors across Staffordshire while managing infrastructure costs over the long term.