Potholes could be a thing of the past thanks to new high-tech road surfaces.

Kent, and seven other local authorities, will be part of a trial for new surfaces that will reduce potholes.

The government is giving £22.9million to fund the research.

According to the Department for Transport, Kent could be getting sensors which will monitor water drainage, gritters and gulleys, which will be managed in a 'centralised hub'.

It is hoped this will improve highway maintenance efficiency.

Across the UK, Cumbria will test plastic roads, in Buckinghamshire kinetic energy from the roads will be used to power lighting and in Bedfordshire geothermal energy created from paths will be trialled to stop car parks and bus stations 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.

"Today’s trials will see how new technologies work in the real world to ensure our roads are built for the 21st century.

"In the Budget in November, the Chancellor announced an additional £420 million for road maintenance for 2018 to 2019 financial year.

"This brings the total funding for pothole repair and roads maintenance, including the Live Labs project, from 2015 to 2020 up to £6.6 billion."