Report a problem with a manhole cover

How to report a problem with a manhole cover.

Damaged, loose or sunken manhole covers can create a danger for road users and may cause damage to vehicles.

If you see a problem with a manhole cover, you can tell us using our online reporting form.

Our online reporting form takes around 3 to 5 minutes to complete. 

How we assess reports

To help us investigate your report, please tell us:

  • where the manhole cover is located
  • whether it is damaged, loose or rocking
  • whether it is raised or sunken
  • if it could be dangerous
  • add photos if safe to do so

If you are reporting an emergency that requires immediate attention, please call us on 0300 373 3306. An emergency on the highway is defined as something that is very likely to present an imminent threat to life, serious injury or serious damage to property. Our team will assess the severity of your report and escalate accordingly.

Investigatory levels

We will usually investigate reports where:

  • the cover is loose or rocking
  • the frame is damaged
  • the cover is broken
  • there is significant movement between the cover and surrounding surface
  • the defect presents a risk to road users

All defects are subject to a risk assessment. 

What happens after you submit a report

We aim to assess reports within 5 working days where inspection is required.

We may need to report this to a utility company if it is not a highway asset.

How we prioritise repairs

We assess defects using our Highway Condition and Safety Inspection Procedure and classify them as:

  • Emergency Defect – we will make the defect safe as quickly as possible, usually within 2 hours
  • High Priority Defect – we will repair the defect within 5 working days
  • Standard Priority Defect – we will repair the defect within 20 working days
  • Monitor Only – we will record the defect and continue to monitor it through future inspections

We carry out a site-specific risk assessment for every defect before deciding what action to take. This means a defect that meets an investigatory level may not always require immediate repair.

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