YORK’S ravaged roads are to get the attention of a new machine as a pothole-repairing operation swings into action.

The Jetpatcher device – one of only several available across the UK – has been brought in by City of York Council to carry out work on routes damaged by the big winter freeze.

It cleans and dries the potholes using compressed air.

The machine then sprays a mixture of bitumen and aggregate into the space, with the material drying quickly to allow routes to be swiftly reopened and minimise disruption for motorists.

The council is to trial the vehicle-mounted system for four days, starting from today.

The Jetpatcher may be hired for further use if it proves to be successful.