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

Potholes are more than just an annoying bump in the road — they’re a serious hazard and a major contributor to vehicle damage across the UK. With deteriorating road conditions regularly making headlines, questions about how potholes are measured and who is responsible for repairing them are more relevant than ever.

What Exactly Is a Pothole?

A pothole is a depression or hollow in a road surface caused by the wear and tear of traffic and the natural expansion and contraction of water beneath the surface. Over time, the material breaks down and forms a cavity, which can vary in size and depth.

In the UK, not every road defect is classified as a pothole. Local authorities typically follow specific criteria — for example, many councils only define a pothole as needing repair if it’s at least 40mm deep and 300mm wide. But how is that actually measured?

Traditional vs Modern Methods of Measuring Potholes

Historically, pothole inspections have relied on manual measurements taken by highway inspectors using rulers or gauges during site visits. While this is still common practice in many areas, it's subjective, time-consuming, and potentially unsafe — particularly on high-traffic roads.

Enter: 3D Pothole Measurement Technology

Advanced solutions, like GPC's Highway Measure Software, now allow for precise measurement of potholes using 3D cameras. These cameras can be mounted to a vehicle for mobile data capture or used as a handheld device such as a tablet for on-the-spot assessment. This technology can:

• Detect pothole depth, width, and surface area

• Provide continuous road condition data as part of wider highway surveys

• Deliver repeatable, objective records to support maintenance planning

This kind of approach transforms how local authorities and contractors manage road defects, helping ensure that repairs are prioritised based on real, measurable data.

Who Is Responsible for Fixing Potholes in the UK?

Responsibility for road maintenance — and pothole repairs — typically falls into the hands of the local highway authority. This depends on the type of road:

• Motorways and major A roads in England: Managed by National Highways

• Local roads (most urban/residential streets): Managed by county councils, unitary authorities, or London boroughs

• Private roads: Responsibility lies with the owner or developer

If you spot a pothole, you can report it directly to the relevant local council via their website or through apps like FixMyStreet.

Why Precise Measurement Matters

With shrinking budgets and growing road networks, councils must prioritise repairs strategically. Precise pothole measurement:

• Reduces unnecessary repairs

• Helps defend against claims by demonstrating due diligence

• Improves public safety and trust

• Supports predictive maintenance instead of reactive fixes

At GPC, we believe in data-led road maintenance. By offering advanced measurement tools, we empower local authorities and contractors to take the guesswork out of pothole management — and focus their efforts where it really matters.

Final Thoughts

Potholes aren’t going away anytime soon — but the way we manage them is changing. By embracing modern measurement technologies, the UK can shift from reactive repairs to smart, evidence-based maintenance that saves money, reduces risk, and keeps our roads safer for everyone.

If you're interested in learning more about how GPC's Highway Measure Software works, get in touch with our team or explore our road measurement solutions.