Potholes
We look after roads by carrying out regular maintenance and repairs. Our goal is to stop potholes from forming by repairing roads early and using treatments that help keep road surfaces in good condition. We also continue to fix any road defects that could be dangerous for people using the roads.
Potholes repaired in financial year of 2025 to 2026
During the financial year 2025 to 2026, we repaired 23,871 potholes on roads across the highway network. These repairs were identified through highway safety inspections, reports from members of the public, routine maintenance work and targeted "Find and Fix" operations.
We also repair many defects before they develop into potholes. This work includes patching programmes and resurfacing works. This preventative approach helps improve network condition and reduce future maintenance costs.
Why potholes develop
Potholes can form for several reasons, including:
- water ingress: where water enters cracks within the road surface and weakens the structure
- weather conditions: freeze-thaw cycles, heavy rainfall and prolonged wet weather speed up deterioration
- traffic loading: repeated use increases stresses on weakened areas of road
- ageing road surfaces: roads deteriorate and get weaker, increasing likelihood of damage
How we fix potholes
Highway inspectors assess road defects using a risk-based approach. Considering factors like the type of road, how much traffic uses it, how easy it is to see the problem, where it is, and how it could affect road users.
They consider factors such as:
- the type of road
- how much traffic uses it
- how easy it is to see the problem
- where it is
- how it could affect other road users
When possible, permanent repairs are completed during the first visit. If this cannot be achieved, the area is made safe and a permanent repair is scheduled as soon as possible.
Where we can, we complete permanent repairs during our first visit. If we cannot achieve this, we will make the area safe and schedule a permanent repair as soon as possible.
We use different repair methods and work with specialist contractors to make sure the right repair is carried out in each location.
Cut and fill repairs
This involves removing the damaged part of the road and replacing it with new asphalt. This creates a strong, long-lasting repair and works well when the damage is localised.
If a larger section of road is damaged, bigger patching repairs or full resurfacing may be needed. These repairs are carried out as part of the Council's planned maintenance programme.
Spray injection patching
This is a quick and effective way to repair potholes and other small areas of road damage. The damaged area is cleaned and then filled with binder and aggregate under pressure. This creates a strong, long-lasting repair.
This method allows several potholes and damaged areas to be repaired in one visit, which means less disruption for people using the road.
Watch a video on the spray injection patching process on our YouTube channel
Thermal patching
Thermal patching uses heat to blend new and existing road materials. This creates a smooth and seamless repair. It works well on urban roads and helps reduce waste by reusing some of the existing road material.
Specialist repair materials
We continually look at new materials and ways to carry out repairs. Our goal is to make repairs last longer, reduce disruption to road users and cause lower carbon emissions. The repair method we choose depends on the conditions of the site, the classification of the road and which option offers the best value throughout the life of the repair.
Emergency repairs
Some road defects need to be fixed straight away to protect public safety. Emergency defects are reported to the Duty Engineer and the goal is to make them safe within two hours. A permanent repair may then be scheduled if needed.
We may then schedule a permanent repair, if this is needed.
Road closures and traffic management
Some repairs need temporary traffic controls or road closures so work can be completed safely. When possible, we let local people and road users know in advance. However, emergency repairs may need to be undertaken at short notice.
Some repairs need temporary traffic controls or road closures so that we can complete work safely.
Repair works can be noisy and may involve construction vehicles, reversing alarms and safety lighting. These measures are necessary to protect both the workforce and the public.
Report a pothole
Report a pothole online
All reports are assessed and prioritised using our risk-based inspection and maintenance policy.