How To Report A Pothole
In London, the responsibility for road maintenance is divided among Transport for London (TfL), the 32 London boroughs, and the City of London. To report a pothole, it’s essential to identify which authority manages the specific road.
1. Determine the Road Authority:
- TfL (Red Routes): TfL manages major roads known as ‘Red Routes,’ which constitute 5% of London’s roads but carry 30% of the traffic. These routes are marked by red lines and are crucial for keeping traffic moving.
- Local Boroughs: Other roads are maintained by the respective London borough councils.
2. Reporting a Pothole:
- For TfL-Managed Roads:
- Online via Streetcare:
- Use TfL’s Streetcare tool to report issues on Red Routes.
- Steps:
- Visit the Streetcare website.
- Enter the specific location or postcode of the pothole.
- Provide detailed information about the pothole, including its size and exact position.
- Upload photos if available to assist in assessment.
- Submit the report; you’ll receive a reference number for tracking.
- By Phone:
- Call TfL at 0343 222 1234 to report the pothole directly.
- Online via Streetcare:
- For Borough-Managed Roads:
- Identify the Relevant Borough:
- Determine which borough the road is in.
- Each borough has its own reporting system, typically accessible via their official website.
- General Reporting via GOV.UK:
- If unsure about the specific borough or for convenience, use the GOV.UK portal:
- Steps:
- If unsure about the specific borough or for convenience, use the GOV.UK portal:
- Identify the Relevant Borough:
3. Information to Provide:
- Location Details: Exact street address, nearby landmarks, or GPS coordinates.
- Pothole Description: Approximate size, depth, and any immediate hazards it may pose.
- Photographs: Clear images to help authorities assess the severity and prioritize repairs.
4. Follow-Up:
- After reporting, you can monitor the status of your report using the reference number provided.
- For TfL reports, the Streetcare tool allows you to check updates on previously reported issues.
