Collect evidence at the scene
- Take clear photos of the pothole, including close-ups and wider shots showing its position on the road.
- Photograph the damage to your vehicle, wheels, tyres or suspension.
- Note the exact road name, nearby landmarks, and the date and time of the incident.
- Keep receipts for any repairs, recovery or replacement parts.
Report the pothole on PotholeMap so there is a public record of when it was first seen.
Find the responsible highway authority
Different roads are maintained by different bodies. Use the table below to identify who you should contact.
| Road type | Responsible authority |
|---|---|
| Most local roads, residential streets and rural lanes | County council, unitary authority or London borough |
| Motorways and major A roads in England | National Highways |
| Motorways and major A roads in Wales | Traffic Wales / Welsh Government |
| Motorways and major A roads in Scotland | Transport Scotland |
| Public roads in Northern Ireland | Department for Infrastructure (DfI Roads) |
| Private roads and some car parks | Landowner or managing agent |
Not sure which council maintains the road? Enter the road name or postcode on the council's own website, or check the GOV.UK report a pothole page to be redirected to the right body.
Check the authority's inspection records
In England and Wales, under Section 58 of the Highways Act 1980, a council can defend a claim if it can show it took reasonable care to keep the road safe. This usually means regular safety inspections and prompt repairs. Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own roads legislation, but claims there also turn on whether the authority took reasonable care.
You can ask the authority for its inspection and repair history for the road through a Freedom of Information request. If the pothole had already been reported and not repaired, the authority may find it harder to reject your claim.
Submit your claim in writing
Most councils have an online highways claims form. If not, send a letter or email to the council's highways department. Include:
- Your name, address and contact details.
- The date, time and exact location of the incident.
- A description of how the damage happened.
- Photos of the pothole and vehicle damage.
- Copies of repair invoices or quotes.
- Any witness details, if available.
Keep copies of everything you send.
Respond to the council's decision
The authority should investigate and reply, usually within a few weeks. It may accept the claim and offer a settlement, reject it, or ask for more information.
If your claim is rejected, ask for the reasons and any supporting documents, such as inspection records. You can then decide whether to accept the decision or take the matter further.
Escalate if you are not satisfied
If the authority refuses to pay and you believe the claim is valid, you can escalate through:
- A formal complaint to the council.
- Your local councillor or MP.
- The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman, for council-maintained roads.
- Small claims court, if the amount is under the financial limit and you have strong evidence.
For larger claims or complex cases, consider speaking to a solicitor who specialises in motoring or public liability claims.
Important things to remember
- There is a six-year time limit for most property damage claims in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and five years in Scotland. Act quickly while evidence is fresh.
- Councils often reject claims where they can prove reasonable road maintenance. A strong claim needs clear evidence that the pothole was dangerous and that the authority knew or should have known about it.
- PotholeMap is not a legal service. This guide is for information only and does not replace professional advice.
Help build the map
Every report makes it easier to show councils where repairs are needed.