Report potholes or a highway problem
We work hard to make sure our network is in good condition, minimising disruption for our customers.
We carry out regular inspections and maintenance activities, but we also want to hear from you if you spot something wrong with our roads or any of the assets alongside them. This could be anything from potholes, a broken sign or barrier, to overgrown vegetation, or issues on a Rights of Way.
Local highway related issues or defects should be reported to us via the online system. This is the quickest and most effective way of letting us know about an issue and also allows us to keep you up to date on progress.
If you are reporting something that you feel may need urgent attention, please do not log it on this system. Instead call 0300 126 7000 between 9.00am and 5.00pm, Monday to Friday. Outside of these hours please ring 01604 651074.
The following cannot be be reported to us online:
- Drain covers - broken/missing
- Footway/Footpath - Slab missing
- Highway Bridges Damaged/Unsafe
- Kerbs - Missing
- Traffic Signals / Signalled Controlled Crossings - All Traffic Signals OUT (Not working)
- Traffic Signals / Signalled Controlled Crossings - Damaged/Exposed Wiring/Vandalised
- Traffic Signals / Signalled Controlled Crossings - Signal Stuck/Not Changing
- Vegetation - Subcategory Fallen Tree
- Roads – Flooding
- Roads - Mud on the road
- Roads - Spill oil/Diesel
- Drains - Blocked Ditch causing flooding
- Drains - Blocked flooding private property
- Drains - Blocked flooding road/path
Issues reported to us via this system may not be reviewed to for up to 5 working days which is why it is essential that you let us know if something is urgent.
What we need to know from you
Help us locate the problem quicker by providing:
- images (if safe to do so, please do not put yourself at risk)
- your name and contact details (this will allow us to contact you for any further information that might be needed)
- when reporting potholes, it would be useful to know the approximate size and depth of any potholes description of the location, including any landmarks
- WhatThreeWords or grid reference
How we will keep you updated
When the issue or defect has been assessed we will update the online report and send you an email, you will keep receiving emails until the report is closed.
How do we deal with potholes
Safety defects
We have adopted a risk-based approach to determine whether to act and what action is the most appropriate to take.
The level of risk from a pothole depends on:
- its depth
- its surface area
- safety of road users
- location and usage of the road
This helps us prioritise limited maintenance funding as we cannot fix all defects reported to us. We observe issue hotspots on our roads and treat some defects before they become safety defects. In addition, we carry out a permanent repair where possible.
Sometimes, we make a temporary repair if substantial works are already planned or the location means a permanent repair can't be done quickly (for example, traffic management or closures are needed but the defect cannot be left).
Potholes response times
Response times vary significantly and can be dependent upon the type of road, the location and depth.
We categorise how urgent it is to repair the pothole depending on the risk it poses to the public. Sometimes, this means a pothole will be dealt with when routine maintenance is again carried out on that stretch of road.
Our response times for our busiest roads can be viewed below:
These are defects which fall within investigatory levels however they are deemed to carry a low level of risk, hence being given longer following the risk-based assessment undertaken by the Highway Safety Inspectors, for a repair to be undertaken.
These are defects which are deemed to carry more risk than P4 defects and hence require a speedier repair following the risk-based assessment undertaken by the Highway Safety Inspectors.
These are defects that, following the risk-based assessment undertaken by the Highway Safety Inspectors, require a repair within the 7 calendar day timeframe.
These are defects which pose a high risk and hence require a quicker response to repair following the risk-based assessment undertaken by the Highway Safety Inspectors. If in the judgement of the inspector the defect is considered to represent a significant or imminent hazard, repair or make safe within 24 hours. If the defect can only be made safe within 24 hours carry out permanent repairs as a P4 Repair.
Other Highways issues
The following issues should be reported to other teams or partners:
Highway Service Guide
This guide gives an overview of our highway service, which is delivered by us and our partner contractor Kier Highways.
National Highways
National Highways maintains certain trunk roads in the area and issues should be reported directly to them.
The roads are:
- M1
- M45
- A5
- A14
- A43 between the M40 Junction 10 and M1 Junction 15a (from Northampton to the county boundary near Stamford is the Council)
- A45 between Thrapston and the M1 Junction 15 (from Junction 16 to the county boundary towards Dunchurch is the Council)
Last updated 02 April 2024