When we carry out road repairs, resurfacing or improvement works, we know people want confidence that the job is being done properly.
That's why there are several checks in place throughout every project to make sure work meets the required standards.
On larger schemes, quality checks start from the moment work begins. Our Supervisors regularly inspect works while they are taking place, checking that everything is being completed to the agreed design and specification. If they spot an issue, it can often be fixed straight away before the works are finished, helping to avoid extra disruption and repeat visits. Once work is complete, we carry out further inspections before the scheme is signed off.
When it comes to potholes, quality is especially important. Repair teams follow approved methods and specifications when carrying out repairs, and supervisors inspect completed work to ensure work has been completed to the required standard. Since January 2026, we have carried out 31,312 repairs across the county, of which 5,324 were inspected to help ensure quality and safety – around 17%.
These inspections play an important role in maintaining the quality and longevity of repairs, helping to ensure taxpayers receive the best possible value for money. Where inspections identify areas requiring further attention, remedial works are raised and completed where necessary before the job is signed off.
The inspection process also supports continuous improvement across our maintenance operations. Feedback from inspections is shared with teams, helping to reinforce best practice and address common issues such as site preparation, material management and adherence to repair specifications. This ongoing quality management approach helps to improve consistency and ensure repairs continue to meet expected standards.
But the checks don't stop there. East Sussex County Council, as the highway authority, also plays an important role in checking the quality of completed work. Regular joint site audits are carried out, providing an additional layer of oversight and helping to make sure work is delivered to the standards expected by residents. Independently, ESCC inspects a minimum of 10% of completed works to ensure repairs meet the required standard.
If any issues are found during these inspections or audits, they are raised with the teams involved so they can be put right at the contractors cost and lessons can be learned. We also hold regular reviews to look at what has gone well and where improvements can be made. Sharing these lessons helps us continue to improve the service we provide across East Sussex.
Every year, East Sussex Highways delivers hundreds of projects across the county. By carrying out checks during works, inspecting completed schemes and working closely with ESCC to review quality, we aim to make sure every project provides a safe, reliable and long-lasting result for the communities we serve.
A blog by our Asset Management team at East Sussex County Council