What we are doing about potholes and other road defects
What is a pothole?
A pothole is a localised failure of the carriageway surface, forming a broken area or abrupt depression. Potholes are typically identified where the road surface has broken away, creating a hazard to road users.
Potholes develop as a result of water entering cracks in the carriageway and weakening the underlying layers. Traffic loading, particularly from heavy vehicles, and environmental conditions such as freeze-thaw cycles and prolonged wet or dry periods, accelerate this process.
We use a risk-based approach to assess defects. Response times are determined by the level of risk to highway users, taking account of factors such as size, depth, location, traffic speed and usage. Defects that present a safety risk as defined in policy are made safe or repaired on specified response times while lower-risk defects are addressed through planned maintenance or routine works programmes. This ensures resources are targeted where they will reduce risk most.
What we are doing to tackle potholes
We take a proactive and risk-based approach to managing potholes as part of our wider highway maintenance strategy. This includes a combination of reactive repairs, planned maintenance and preventative treatments to maintain the network in a safe and serviceable condition.
During the 2025-26 financial year, we have repaired approximately 63,065 potholes across the county.
Safety-related defects are prioritised using a risk-based approach, ensuring that those posing the greatest risk to road users are addressed first. Where it is safe and appropriate to do so, we prioritise permanent repairs to avoid repeat visits and provide longer-lasting solutions. However, there are occasions where temporary or emergency repairs are necessary, for example where immediate safety risks must be mitigated quickly, or where conditions (such as weather or traffic management constraints) prevent a permanent repair at the first visit.
Alongside reactive repairs, we place strong emphasis on preventative maintenance. This includes surface treatments, resurfacing and reconstruction schemes designed to extend the life of carriageways and reduce the likelihood of potholes forming.
These treatments are delivered using a whole-life asset management approach, intervening before carriageways deteriorate to the point where more extensive repairs are required. Wherever practical, repairs are coordinated with planned programmes to maximise efficiency, reduce repeat visits and deliver lasting outcomes.
Our approach is underpinned by condition data, inspections and local intelligence, enabling us to target investment effectively and reduce long-term costs. By balancing reactive and planned maintenance, we aim to minimise disruption, improve resilience and deliver best value from available funding.
How members of public can report potholes and other highway defects
Members of the public can report potholes and other highway defects using our online reporting system.
This platform allows users to pinpoint the location of a defect on a map, upload photos and provide details to support assessment. Reports can also be made via our Customer Service Centre for those unable to access online services.
All reports are logged into our asset management system and assessed using our risk-based approach to determine the appropriate response. The use of digital reporting tools enables efficient triage, prioritisation and tracking of defects across the highway network and provides updates throughout the process.
What happens after a pothole is reported
Once a pothole or highway defect is reported, it is recorded and assessed using a risk-based approach. We consider factors including size, location, traffic levels and risk to road users.
If the defect meets our safety intervention criteria, it is prioritised for repair within the response timescale. This may involve an emergency repair or initially making the defect safe.
Where the defect does not present an immediate safety risk, it is monitored and may be included in planned maintenance programmes. All works are completed in line with our inspection regime and our Highways Infrastructure Asset Management Plan.