WJ Group Urges Councils to Invest in Preventative Road Maintenance

WJ Group is calling on local authorities to prioritise long-term preventative maintenance for the UK’s road network, highlighting surface dressing as a cost-effective solution to extend road life and reduce potholes.

New data shows that surface dressing work on Britain’s local roads increased by 15% in 2025 compared with 2024, with approximately 44.4 million square metres of road treated between April and September. While this reflects a positive step, WJ argues that councils should embed sustained maintenance strategies to deliver higher-quality roads that last longer.

Surface dressing is a well-established method for sealing cracks and protecting road surfaces. However, its effectiveness depends on the road being properly prepared. WJ’s surface defect repair and hydro retexturing services ensure that surfaces are ready for dressing, preventing future failures.

The company’s surface defect repair team addresses potholes and structural damage, stabilising the road, while the hydro retexturing process gently removes unwanted binder and restores surface texture. This ensures the dressing adheres properly, reducing the risk of bitumen bleed and other surface issues.

Gerald Byrne, Head of Sales at WJ Group, said:

“If we want to reduce potholes and improve road quality, preventative maintenance must be carried out consistently. Councils adopting long-term strategies are already seeing measurable improvements in road performance.

“By combining early-stage surface repairs, timely retexturing and regular surface dressing, authorities are reporting fewer defects and reduced deterioration following winter weather. A structured approach can significantly enhance the resilience and condition of the UK’s roads.”

WJ also highlighted that delivering both preparation and dressing in a single operation can reduce the need for multiple contractors, minimise disruption, lower costs and simplify permitting processes.

Timing is critical, the company added. Surface dressing is most effective when applied at the right stage of a road’s life cycle. Delaying treatment until roads are heavily deteriorated limits the benefits and often requires more extensive repairs.

By consistently carrying out preparation and dressing at regular intervals, WJ argues, local authorities can maintain their networks in better condition for longer, avoiding the cycle of reactive repairs and associated costs.