Potholes can cause major problems for motorists, particularly, cyclists. National Pothole day aims to raise awareness and prompt people to take action – not just the local authorities. Thus, overall assisting to improve the roads, reduce injuries, losses and even fatalities.

Did you know?

• Potholes create dangerous conditions for cyclists and they could cause a cyclist to suffer physically and financially.
• The term pothole comes from Roman times when potters who could not afford clay would steal it from the roads and cause deep holes in the road surfaces;
• These days, potholes are caused by the road surface deteriorating either by temperature changes, surface water and seeping, traffic, age and even poor construction or maintenance. 
• There are thought to be at least 1 million potholes on our roads today - on average there are 6 potholes per mile!
• Often they are a hidden hazard as they are puddled with rain.
• One cyclist per week will be killed or seriously injured due to a pothole.
• Despite this, the number of potholes being repaired each year is on a decline.

So what can you do?

If you see a pothole whilst driving, riding your bike or even walking, please report it!

It could not be easier to do using the Fill that Hole app or website Fill That Hole.

You can also use What3Words.com (also available as an app) to pinpoint the exact location of the pothole rather than having to describe it.  This will help the local authority locate the pothole, assess it and repair. You can even opt to be updated by email when the authority respond.

Reporting potholes could assist those who are unlucky enough to be caught out by them! Claims are often contested on the basis that the council claim not to be aware of the existence of the pothole and this can be a defence under S58 of the Highways Act 1980.