HAMPSHIRE’S highways teams are now using a pioneering mobile asphalt production unit across the county that could see a 30 per cent reduction in the amount of wasted material because it can be mixed on site and used straight away for road repairs.

Rob Humby, executive member for environment and transport at Hampshire County Council (HCC), said: “Keeping Hampshire’s roads well maintained and in good repair is a priority for the county council –good transport infrastructure is so important not only for all our day to day journeys and the impact this has on our quality of life, but for the whole county’s economic prospects.

“Up until now, highways maintenance crews have had to collect fresh hot material from production plants before heading out to repair the roads. This can take up valuable time from the day’s schedule.

“This new piece of equipment will save time and money – making sure we deliver the best service for Hampshire’s residents.”

The new mobile unit has been developed by HCC Highways contractor, Amey, along with RSL Engineering. Amey’s account director Paul Anderson said: “We are excited to be the first highways maintenance operators in the UK using this technology in this way. It is proving to be a far better method of asphalt production – less wasteful, cheaper and much more reliable. Because we are no longer relying on asphalt plants to be open to supplies of material, we can now able to work extended hours.