How Are Potholes Measured and Who Is Responsible for Fixing Them in the UK?

Written by: Isabelle Miller

Potholes are no longer just an inconvenience — they’re one of the UK’s biggest maintenance headaches, costing drivers millions and putting councils under constant pressure to keep roads safe. As road conditions continue to deteriorate, one question is becoming increasingly important: How are potholes actually measured — and who’s responsible for fixing them?

What Counts as a Pothole?

A pothole forms when water gets into cracks in the road surface, expands when frozen, and breaks down the material over time. Eventually, traffic pressure collapses the weakened surface, leaving a cavity.

But not every defect qualifies as a pothole requiring repair.Most UK councils use threshold-based criteria — for example:

Typically 40mm deep and 300mm wide before it is classed as a pothole needing planned repair.

Anything smaller is often recorded for monitoring or left until further deterioration.

How Potholes Have Traditionally Been Measured

Historically, measurement has been carried out manually by highway inspectors using physical gauges, rulers or depth probes. The problem?

• It’s slow

• It’s subjective

• It requires close-up inspection in live traffic

• Smaller developing defects are easily missed

With stretched budgets and rising complaint volumes, this approach is increasingly difficult to scale.

Modern Measurement: 3D Technology on the Move

New technology is transforming the process.Tools like GPC’s Highway Measure Software use mounted 3D cameras to scan road surfaces in real time — either from a moving inspection vehicle or via handheld devices.

This approach provides:

✅ Precise width, depth and volume measurements

✅ Faster assessments across larger road networks

✅ Consistent, objective digital records

✅ Data that supports condition-based maintenance planning

Instead of “is this a pothole?”, authorities get evidence-based severity scoring — helping them prioritise the right repairs first.

Who Is Responsible for Fixing Potholes in the UK?

Responsibility depends on the road type:

Road Type	Responsible Authority
Motorways & major A-roads (England)	National Highways
Local/residential streets	County councils, unitary authorities, or London boroughs
Private roads & estates	The landowner/developer

Members of the public can report potholes to local authorities via their website or through platforms like FixMyStreet or Council reporting apps.

Why Accurate Measurement Matters for Councils

Measurement isn’t just about identifying a defect — it’s about justifying the fix.

Accurate, auditable data:

• Helps councils defend themselves against claims

• Proves compliance with maintenance policies

• Supports funding requests for resurfacing and investment

• Reduces cost by shifting repairs from reactive to preventative

Measurement is no longer a roadside task — it’s a data strategy.

Final Thoughts

Potholes may be a persistent challenge, but the way we manage them is evolving.With modern 3D measurement tools, local authorities can move from firefighting to foresight — applying repairs where they’re most needed, backed by real evidence.

✅ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How are potholes measured in the UK today?

Local authorities either measure them manually on-site or increasingly use 3D scanning technology to capture depth, width and severity digitally.

2. What size does a road defect need to be to count as a pothole?

Most councils use a threshold of around 40mm depth and 300mm width before it qualifies for repair, though policies vary by region.

3. Who is responsible for repairing potholes?

Local councils handle local roads, while National Highways manages motorways and key A-roads. Private landowners are responsible for private roads.

4. Can the public report potholes directly?

Yes. Reports can be submitted through local authority websites or services like FixMyStreet.

5. Why is technology being used instead of manual inspections?

It provides faster, safer, and more accurate data — allowing councils to prioritise repairs objectively and reduce maintenance backlogs.