Inspections

Keeping the borough’s roads pothole free is a year-round challenge for our team of road treatment experts. We’re responsible for daily inspections across over 500 miles of our road network.

How do potholes form?

A pothole occurs when there is a fracture in the road surface. This is often caused by water weakening the underlying road structure and traffic movement breaking up and removing pieces of the surface.

How does the council inspect potholes?

Each year, our methodical approach to repairing potholes ensures we use our resources where they are needed the most. 

To help us prioritise repairs, our team of inspectors survey the network and review feedback forms submitted by residents and road users. This informs the frequency of our programmed inspections. 

Roads classed as important routes are inspected more frequently than those with:

• lower usage
• differing functions
• varying size and classification

These factors determine whether a road is scheduled for inspection on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis.