Shropshire children asked to name county’s pothole-busting lorries

Shropshire’s school children are being asked to help name the two special lorries that help tackle potholes on Shropshire’s roads.

The two Roadmaster vehicles are set to hit the county’s roads again on 1 April but – unlike the county’s gritters – they don’t have names.

Now Shropshire Council and its highways contractor Kier are asking the county’s children to help put that right!

All suggested names should be emailed to communications@shropshire.gov.uk by 5pm on Friday 22 March, before the best two are chosen and given to the Roadmasters before they head out and about next month.

Entrants must be aged 16 or under, and should give their name and age. Teachers can also submit entries on behalf of their class or school.

One of the Roadmasters in action

Steve Davenport, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for highways and transport, said:

“Last year, with help from the public, we named our fleet of 25 gritters. Now we think it’s only fair that our two Roadmasters should have names too. So, we’re asking children across the county to put on their thinking caps, think of some good names, and send us their suggestions. We’ll then choose our two favourites!

“We all hate potholes which is why we work really hard to treat them and make our roads safe. The Roadmasters make a huge difference and help us to repair potholes more quickly, and to a much better standard.”

Roadmasters use compressed air to blow water or dirt out of a pothole that needs repairing and then fill it with hot bitumen and chippings. The repair is compacted by a roller and sealed with a layer of surface dressing – meaning a better quality of repair.

One of the Roadmasters

To report a pothole go to shropshire.gov.uk/potholes or call 0345 678 9006.