The government is releasing £23m for further trials of the use of recycled plastics in roads to combat potholes and smart road technologies in eight local authorities.

Its innovative Live Labs projects will demonstrate new technologies in Kent, Staffordshire, Reading, Suffolk and Solihull and Birmingham. If successful the new technologies could be adopted by other authorities.

Demonstration projects include further plastic roads trials in Cumbria, using kinetic energy off Buckinghamshire roads to power lighting and using geothermal energy created from paths to keep car parks and bus stations in Central Bedfordshire from freezing over.

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said: “Potholes are the number one enemy for road users and this government is looking at numerous ways to keep our roads in the best condition.”

Ringway Jacobs (Contractors) will receive over £5.5m to help harness renewable energy from roads in Buckinghamshire.

This includes “Power Road” technology, already piloted successfully in France, to use geothermal energy connected to water pipes laid just below the surface to de-ice car parks/bus stations in sub-zero weather conditions.

Amey together with Keele University will explore how Smart Highways technology can be extended from primary roads to a local road network. Installation of sensors in Kent will help target more efficient highways maintenance service.

Kier will receive over £4m to adapt or replace lighting columns for use as charging points. All trials are to be scalable so suitable for rolling out nationwide.