Potholes

Lincolnshire County Council has a statutory duty to maintain adopted roads and paths (the Highway) within the county. Maintenance of the highway includes making safe potentially dangerous defect such as potholes.

Potholes are defined as a defect in the highway surface, which is surrounded by surfacing material on all sides. Edge damage generally occurs on uncurbed rural roads and is generally caused by vehicles overrunning the verge.

Potholes can develop over short periods of time and depending on the size, depth and location there will be a greater or lesser risk to the general public. The response of the county council will be dependent on the severity of the reported defect.

How does it work?

Should the site in question be within adopted highway, staff at the local Divisional Office will arrange for works to make safe the potentially dangerous site. The county council has a number of Area Maintenance Teams who will temporarily repair the defect normally within 24 hours, if considered dangerous. If the defect is not considered dangerous the area will be included in future programmed works to resolve the fault.

In the event that the area in question is beyond the limit of the adopted highway, staff at the local Divisional Office will inform the customer accordingly.

How do I report a pothole?

To report a pothole fill in the online Highways defect report form or contact the Customer Services Centre on 01522 782070.

Potholes FAQs

Why do the county council make temporary repairs to potholes rather than just permanently fixing them first time? How long does it take them to come and fix a pothole? Can you sue the council if you have an accident in one? These and many other questions are answered in this handy pdf of Pothole FAQs, exploding myths and giving you the real facts behind pothole-fixing. Please see downloads.