Report a pothole or other surface defect

A pothole is where the surface of the road or footway has worn away and a hollow has formed. Other surface defects include damaged or missing paving flags or kerbstones. A defect can form quickly and be a hazard. If you're concerned, report it online.

Before you start

When reporting a defect, include details of how severe it is to help assess the risk it poses to road or footway users.

This should include a description of the approximate size and depth of the defect and its location - for example, whether it's on the road or footway, if it's near a junction, or which lane it is in.

Department for Infrastructure (DfI) Roads has responsibility for the maintenance and repair of publicly-maintained roads and footways.

Some roads and footways are not publicly-maintained and are likely to be the responsibility of a developer or other private street owner.

Privacy notice

You can find out how any personal information you send to Department for Infrastructure Roads when using this 'report a fault' service will be handled by viewing its privacy notice.

Report a pothole or surface defect

Additional information

Tracking the progress of a fault

You are able to check the progress of a fault you have reported at this link:

Track progress of a fault

Other ways to report a fault

You can also report a fault by email or phone (for emergencies only) by using the contact details on the DfI Roads page.

Compensation claims

You can get information on how to claim compensation due to a problem caused by a pothole at this link:

Claim compensation due to a road or street problem

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