19/02/2026
Future‑Proofing Our Local Roads: BituChem Supports the REA Local Elections 2026 Campaign
At BituChem, we’re proud to stand with the Road Emulsion Association (REA) in calling for a long-term, preventative approach to maintaining the UK’s local road network.
With 98% of the UK’s roads managed by local authorities, shifting from reactive pothole repairs to planned, cost‑effective preventative treatments is essential. Techniques like surface dressing and encapsulation can extend road life by 10–15 years, reduce carbon impact, and deliver better value for communities across the country.
The REA’s Local Elections 2026 Campaign urges councillors and candidates to commit to three key actions:
✅ Increased investment in preventative road treatments
✅ Long‑term funding certainty for local roads
✅ Clear preventative maintenance strategies
There is real momentum building — with a 15% rise in surface dressing in 2025 and growing recognition of the long-term benefits these treatments offer. We believe prevention works, and communities deserve roads that are resilient, sustainable, and built to last.
📢 We encourage all candidates to get involved, show their support, and help champion a better future for the UK’s road network.