What is a defect?
Potholes, footways, gulleys, ironwork and road repairs are all types of defects. It must be noted that whilst many inspection chambers and ironworks are situated within the highway network we are actually responsible for very few when an issue is found with ironwork within the highway we will raise the issue to the asset owner i.e Seven Trent Water etc BUT it is their responsibility to fix.
Please note: All work is categorised under reactive and proactive.
- Reactive work is completed when defects are causing an immediate danger to road users, where a temporary fix will sometimes be used.
- Proactive work is assessed and completed with a permanent fix. This work includes resurfacing, and preventative measures.
What cause a pothole?
Potholes are primarily caused by water seeping into cracks in the road surface, which then expands and contracts with temperature changes, weakening the asphalt (tar). Traffic passing over weak spots further breaks down the pavement, leading to pothole formation.
How are potholes evaluated?
Potholes imminently approaching, corresponding to or exceeding 40mm depth should normally be recorded and risk assessed. When undertaking inspections, the inspector will carry out a risk assessment on the defect and will consider the risk matrix and what risk the defect could pose. If the defect poses a sufficient risk, the inspector can specify a repair and the priority to assign.
How do I report a pothole?
You can report a pothole by using our online reporting system, or through our mobile app. Please provide the exact location and, a photograph of the pothole.
How long does it take to repair a reported pothole?
The time frame for pothole repairs depends on the severity and location of the pothole. Generally, our goal is to address urgent safety hazards within 48 hours and less critical repairs within a few months.
Why are some potholes temporarily filled?
Temporary repairs are sometimes necessary due to traffic safety concerns or adverse weather conditions. These repairs allow us to quickly address the hazard while scheduling a more permanent fix when conditions are optimal.
What materials are used to repair potholes?
We use high-quality asphalt (tar) materials for permanent repairs. Temporary repairs may use cold mix asphalt, which is effective in colder or wetter conditions but is not as durable as hot mix asphalt.
Other Highways Defects
How can I report other highway defects like damaged signs, or blocked gullys?
Similar to potholes, you can report other highway defects through our online reporting system, or mobile app. Please provide as much detail as possible to help us address the issue promptly.
How are emergency repairs prioritised?
Emergency repairs are prioritised based on the risk they pose to public safety. Issues that pose an immediate danger, such as large sinkholes or fallen trees blocking the road, are addressed as a top priority, typically within 24 hours.
What is the process for scheduling and completing non-emergency repairs?
Non-emergency repairs are assessed, scheduled, and completed based on factors such as the severity of the defect, traffic volume, and available resources. We aim to address these issues within a reasonable time frame to minimise disruption and maintain road safety.
Why do some repairs take longer than others?
The complexity and scale of the repair, weather conditions, and resource availability can affect the time required to complete the work. Larger projects, such as resurfacing or structural repairs, may require more planning and coordination with other stakeholders like Utility Companies.
How do I check the status of a reported defect?
You can check the status of a reported defect by logging into our online reporting system. We strive to keep you updated on the progress of your report.
Preventative Maintenance
What is preventative maintenance and why is it important?
Preventative maintenance involves routine inspections and thin overlays to prevent larger, more costly issues from developing. This approach helps extend the lifespan of our roads and infrastructure, ensuring safer and more reliable transportation networks.
How does the City Council decide which areas to prioritise for maintenance?
Prioritisation is based on factors such as road condition assessments, traffic volume, safety concerns, and available budget. We use a systematic approach to identify and address areas in need of maintenance to maximise the effectiveness of our resources.
Your co-operation helps us maintain a safer and more efficient highway network.