Why Should You Report a Pothole?

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Potholes are more than just annoying - they're a genuine safety hazard. They can cause damage to tyres, wheels, and suspension, and in more serious cases can contribute to accidents, particularly for cyclists and motorcyclists. The sooner a pothole is reported, the sooner it can be assessed and repaired before it causes harm.

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Reporting also creates an official record, which matters if you later need to make a claim for vehicle damage. If a council has been notified about a pothole and hasn't acted within a reasonable timeframe, that strengthens your case considerably. It takes a couple of minutes to report one, and it benefits every road user who drives, cycles, or walks along that stretch, not just you.

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Who Is Responsible for Fixing Potholes in the UK?

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In most cases, your local council is responsible for maintaining the roads in your area. This includes A-roads, B-roads, and residential streets. Councils have a legal duty under the Highways Act 1980 to keep roads in a safe and usable condition, which includes repairing potholes within a reasonable timeframe once they've been made aware of them.

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Motorways and major trunk roads are managed by National Highways in England, Transport Scotland, the Welsh Government's trunk road agents, or the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. If the pothole is on a motorway or a major A-road managed by one of these bodies, you'll need to report it to them directly rather than your local council. If you're unsure who's responsible, GOV.UK can point you in the right direction based on the road and location.

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How to Report a Pothole

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The quickest way to report a pothole in England and Wales is through the GOV.UK website. There's a dedicated tool where you enter the location of the pothole, describe the problem, and submit the report - it takes a couple of minutes and you don't need to create an account. Your report is then forwarded to the relevant local authority or road maintenance body.

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Many councils also have their own online reporting tools or apps, which can sometimes allow you to upload a photo of the damage and pin the exact location on a map. If the pothole is on a motorway or major trunk road in England, you can report it to National Highways online or by calling 0300 123 5000. Whichever route you use, try to be as specific as possible about the location - a road name, nearby landmarks, or even a rough description of where on the road it sits will help the repair team find it faster.

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What Happens After You Report a Pothole?

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Once a pothole has been reported, the relevant authority will typically carry out an inspection to assess the severity and prioritise the repair. Not all potholes are treated equally, deeper potholes on busy roads will usually be addressed more urgently than shallow ones on quiet residential streets. Most councils use a risk-based approach to decide how quickly a repair is needed.

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Response times vary depending on the council and the severity of the defect. Some dangerous potholes may be temporarily patched within 24 hours, while less urgent ones could take weeks or even months to be permanently repaired. If you've reported a pothole and nothing has been done after a reasonable period, you can follow up with the council directly or escalate through your local councillor. Persistence can make a difference, particularly if the pothole is getting worse.

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Can a Pothole Damage Your Car?

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Absolutely. Hitting a pothole, especially at speed, can cause a range of damage to your vehicle. The most common issues are punctured or bulging tyres, cracked or bent alloy wheels, and misaligned steering. In more severe cases, suspension components, springs, and shock absorbers can be damaged, which is considerably more expensive to repair.

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You might not always notice the damage immediately. A slow puncture, a subtle pulling to one side, or an unusual vibration at certain speeds can all be signs that a pothole has caused an issue. If you hit a bad one, it's worth checking your tyres visually for bulges or cuts and paying attention to how the car feels over the next few miles. Getting the tracking and suspension checked at a garage is sensible if the impact was significant.

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Can You Claim Compensation for Pothole Damage?

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Yes, you can make a claim against the council or road authority responsible for maintaining the road. To do this, you'll need evidence: photos of the pothole and the damage to your vehicle, the exact location, the date and time it happened, and any repair invoices or quotes. A dashcam recording can also be helpful if you have one.

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However, councils can defend a claim by showing they had a reasonable maintenance programme in place and weren't aware of the pothole: which is known as a Section 58 defence under the Highways Act 1980. This is why reporting matters: if the pothole had already been reported and the council failed to act, their defence is significantly weaker. Claims can be made directly to the council, and if rejected, you can escalate through the small claims court. The process isn't always quick, but it's straightforward and doesn't require a solicitor for smaller amounts.

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How to Avoid Pothole Damage

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The most effective thing you can do is stay alert and watch the road ahead. Potholes are often easier to spot from a distance, so keeping your eyes up and scanning the surface gives you more time to react. In wet weather, be especially cautious, puddles often hide potholes, and what looks like a shallow pool of water can conceal a deep hole underneath.

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Maintaining correct tyre pressures also helps. Under-inflated tyres are more vulnerable to pothole damage because there's less cushion between the rim and the road surface. Avoid swerving sharply to dodge a pothole if there's traffic around you - sometimes it's safer to slow down and drive through it carefully than to make a sudden lane change. And if you regularly drive on roads you know are in poor condition, it's worth checking your tyres and wheels more frequently for early signs of damage.

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Conclusion

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Potholes are a persistent problem on UK roads, but reporting them is quick, free, and helps get them fixed faster. Whether you use the GOV.UK tool, your local council's website, or a phone call, taking a couple of minutes to flag a dangerous pothole protects your car and everyone else who uses that road.

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If a pothole has already damaged your vehicle, gather your evidence and don't hesitate to make a claim. You have every right to, and the process is simpler than most people expect.