The way we determine potholes and other defects are based upon the Highways Maintenance Operational Plan (HMOP) which is a risk assessment based upon location, road category and severity of the possible defect. It has matrices that indicate the appropriate minimum response for each type of defect.
For example, a road pothole needs to be at least 4cm deep and 20cm in width to meet our repair criteria.
Road potholes between 4 and 10cm and 20cm or more in width will be repaired between 10 working days and 8 calendar weeks depending on the priority of the road. 'A' roads will be within 10 working days and minor roads and cul-de-sacs will usually be within 8 calendar weeks.
Larger potholes over 10cm deep and 20cm or more in width will be repaired between 2 working days and 20 working days depending on the priority of the road. 'A' roads will likely be within 2 working days and minor roads and cul-de-sacs will usually be within 20 working days.
Once we have identified a defect as requiring repair, and where it is safe to do so, we will mark the location using temporary road marking paint. This paint is used solely to assist our repair crews in locating and identifying defects that need attention. There is no requirement to highlight potholes in this way, and the markings are not intended as safety warnings for road users. The paint is temporary and will typically fade within a few weeks.
When we have marked a defect the repair is being organised and so these do not need to be reported to us again.
For any defect that does not meet our minimum repair criteria, we will continue to monitor during routine inspections in case they worsens. We will take appropriate action as required.
