Pothole Size?

12th June 2012

Does anyone know how big a pothole has to be when reported to the council, in order for it to be necessary for them to take action? Even for them just to put up some kind of warning in the form of hazard tape or cones?

We were told that the police informed Bracknell Borough Council 2 hours and 40 minutes before our accident that the pothole was 6 inches deep and 2 feet wide. There was also heavy rain on this day so the pothole was even bigger when we had our accident. There were several other cars affected also.

The council have said that they were unaware that the pothole was big and therefore not liable. I am currently trying to retrieve information from the police as to telephone calls made to the council regarding the pothole that day.

Thank you in advance for any advice you can give.

Replies (1)

Potholes.co.uk Expert     posted : 13/06/12 at 11:26 am

Councils are allowed to set their own standards, but 40 to 50 mm deep is the norm. However, national standards are that they should repair the pothole within 24 hours unless it presents a serious safety risk.