Civil engineering equipment such as portable lighting towers may be in demand if local authorities want to avoid a hefty legal bill because of damaged roads.

According to the Asphalt Industry Alliance (AIA), there was a 30 per cent increase in the number of potholes in Britain last year, because roads were damaged by the wintry weather.

Since the UK has experienced the worst winter conditions in decades in 2010, the problem is likely to get even worse, leading to more people claiming compensation for injury and damage.

AIA director David Weeks told the Independent: "Just go and look at any road and you will see.

"For too long, the road network in Britain has been at the bottom of the political agenda."

If local authorities respond positively to the AIA's demands, this should result in more construction companies deploying tools such as lighting towers.

These can be a good way of allowing construction engineers to repair the road network with disrupting drivers, as they allow professionals to work at night and do not create glare for passing motorists.

As a result, local authorities should be able to complete the repairs more quickly.