This self-healing material incorporates tiny porous plant spores soaked in recycled oils; when compressed, these spores release oil that effectively seals cracks.

Potholes typically begin as small cracks that worsen when water seeps into them, a process exacerbated by freezing and thawing cycles.

Researchers have developed an innovative self-healing bitumen that automatically repairs cracks in roads, significantly reducing the formation of potholes.

According to Dr. Jose Norambuena-Contreras from Swansea University, this material can mend small fractures within an hour and extend the lifespan of road surfaces by up to 30%.

The self-healing bitumen could be ready for implementation on British roads within a couple of years, promising to alleviate pothole-related issues.

On average, drivers in England and Wales encounter six potholes per mile on council-controlled roads, leading to substantial repair costs.

The issue of potholes has even caught the attention of celebrities; Rod Stewart recently shared a video of himself filling in potholes to protect his sports cars, igniting discussions about road conditions in Essex.

Researchers utilized machine learning to model the behavior of the self-healing material and predict its performance on roads.

In the UK, the financial burden of potholes is significant, with £579 million spent on vehicle repairs in 2024, up from £474 million in 2023.

In response to the growing pothole crisis, the UK government has pledged £1.6 billion in 2025 to repair roads and address over 7 million potholes.

National Highways is also investing in smart road materials, aiming to enhance safety and efficiency in road maintenance through innovative technologies.