Cars of the future could be programmed to spot potholes and transmit the information to Highways England, the government body responsible for roads.

In a report published on Wednesday, Highways England said “connected vehicles” could improve the efficiency of route maintenance, while simultaneously improving safety.

Jim O’Sullivan, the body’s chief executive, said drones could also be deployed to monitor roads and improve response times.

In its strategic road network initial report, Highways England said technology would play an ever greater role in keeping Britain’s roads in shape.

The report will be used to inform the government’s next road investment strategy which is due to start in 2020.

O’Sullivan said: “We are delivering a record £15bn of government investment to give people safe, efficient and reliable journeys, and provide businesses with the links they need to prosper and grow.

“Because people’s journeys are important to us, we are setting out our high-level aspirations which will help ensure the network continues to drive economic growth, jobs and prosperity, and keeps traffic moving today and into the future.

“We encourage people to read our report and feed back through the Department for Transport’s consultation, which is also launched today.”

The consultation runs until 7 February.