If you are a driver in the UK and you haven’t encountered a pothole on recent trips, then you are probably in the minority. The internet is full of pothole memes and some areas even have graffiti artists drawing around potholes on major roads.
The problem with potholes is that it is not always easy to gauge how deep they are. If you are driving at speed on a clear main road, it is also not always possible to see them in time to avoid them without putting you or other road users at risk.
What damage does a pothole cause?
Hitting a pothole could affect your car in one of four ways:
- Suspension – broken ball joints, damaged struts or shocks, or misalignment. Watch out for vibrations and unusual sounds.
- Steering – jarred steering system, resulting in loose steering.
- Tyres – a slow puncture can cause air pressure to drop, reducing traction on the road.
- Wheels – bent or cracked wheel - this can lead to a blow out so look carefully for visible damage.
If you notice a pothole
If you notice a pothole and are lucky enough to avoid damaging your car, it is important that you report the problem. You can fix a pothole on a minor road or street via FixMyStreet. If the pothole is on a major A-road or motorway in England, it is best to contact National Highways.
If you hit a pothole
On average, UK drivers hit 11 potholes a month (that is 2-3 every week), so if you do hit one, you will probably be OK. However, if you are worried, pull over as soon as possible to check for damage – including your tyres and wheels. If you can’t see anything, continue with your journey but be aware of any other issues, such as noises that weren’t there before, or heavy steering. If possible, get witnesses to the event; if not, make a note of the time and location.
If you need to claim for damage
If a pothole causes damage, you need to get quotes for the work from local garages, gather your evidence and then reach out to the organisation that is responsible for the road. You may be able to claim compensation for the damage. Please note, that unless the pothole has already been reported, you will NOT be able to claim; the organisation responsible for maintaining the road has to be seen as being negligent in their maintenance.
Find out who is responsible for the road via the National Highways website (if they are not responsible, they will direct you to Fix My Street). Once you know which authority is responsible, contact them and they will send you a damage report form. Complete the form with as much detail as possible, then return it with repair estimates or invoices, your MOT certificate, and any photos of the damage if possible.
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