National Pothole Day sees new reporting apps launched

15/01/2024 | DOMINIC BROWNE

A new pothole reporting system has been launched to mark National Pothole Day, while an old favourite celebrates a re-vamp.

Cycling UK has refreshed its pothole reporting tool, Fill That Hole, which has helped nearly 200,000 defects get reported over the whole of the UK since its launch in 2007.

Data from the new system will also allow Cycling UK 'to monitor how potholes impact different road users for the first time'.

'Anonymous data will let our campaigns team know the rate of injury or damage caused by potholes for different road users, helping power our push for more long-term funding for local roads maintenance,' the membership charity said.

The new system also lets users report on other problems that could pose a risk such as broken traffic lights, incorrect or damaged signage, or debris on the road.

Cyclists are particularly vulnerable to potholes and up to 15% of cyclists injured in crashes dealt with by Cycling UK’s legal services team said the incident was related to a road defect.

The updated tool was made possible by funding and support from law firm Fletchers Cycle SOS.

Bob Coupland, head of cycling claims at Cycle SOS, part of Fletchers Solicitors, said: 'As legal partners of Cycling UK, we understand the importance of addressing the issue of potholes and road defects for the wellbeing of cyclists.

'This platform not only serves as a valuable tool for reporting potholes but also plays a pivotal role in fostering collaboration between the cycling community and local authorities. The Fill That Hole website aligns seamlessly with our mission to advocate for the rights and wellbeing of cyclists on the road.'

Reports via the app or website go directly to the relevant highway authority, which has a legal responsibility to check and repair where necessary.

Meanwhile, the RAC has also teamed up with Metricell to release the free Stan pothole reporting app, which provides a 'user-friendly AI-powered platform to report and address potholes quickly and hold local authorities to account'.

After downloading the app, users can report a road defect by taking a photo or video with a smartphone – allowing the public to use the same computer vision and geospatial technology that contractors now deploy to monitor roads.

Stan is the public-facing version of Road Surveyor, an enterprise application used by local governments and highway agencies to monitor roads.

The Stan system can identify defects and their location. It then generates a report and connects with local councils to provide detailed information about the number and severity of local defects.

Stan can also create a 'Road Health Score' using a formula involving the number and severity of road defects, traffic volume, and road types 'based on Department for Transport guidelines and consultations with the RAC', the Stan team said.

'With Stan, we are empowering communities to play an active role in ensuring safer roads,' said Mike Mockford, product owner of Stan.

'Our partnership with the RAC is a testament to our commitment to making a real difference, and we are excited about the combined efforts in creating a more secure and reliable road infrastructure.'

RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: 'Pothole-ridden roads are the scourge of every driver, which is why we are so keen to work with Metricell to promote the use of the free Stan app.

'If used by drivers widely enough, Stan has the potential to keep councils informed of all the major road defects on their networks, enabling them to take faster action leading to safer, more comfortable journeys.'

Highways InProfile

latest magazine issue
Highways jobs

Director of Transport

£112,924
East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) is on a bold journey. East Midlands Region
Recruiter: East Midlands Combined County Authority

Ferry Host - WMF3049i

£25,584 - £25,992
Ferry Host - WMF3049i Windermere, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Director of Streetscene

£94,972 - £108,767
We continue to have big ambitions for our borough Fareham, Hampshire
Recruiter: Fareham Borough Council

Principal Engineer - Urban Traffic Control (UTC)

£44,711 - £49,764
Liverpool is home to vibrant, energetic and engaged communities. Liverpool, Merseyside
Recruiter: Liverpool City Council

Roadworker/Driver

Grade 6 £25,183 - £25,638 per annum (Pay Award Pending)
We’re looking for Roadworker/trainee LGV drivers to be part of our team Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Project Chargehand (2 Posts)

Grade 9 £31,344 - £33,253 per annum (Pay Award Pending)
We’re looking for experienced Project Chargehands to be part of the Highways Construction Services team Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Lawyer 2- Planning and Highways

£49,764 - £54,181
We are looking for a fresh thinking and enthusiastic Planning and Highways Lawyer Hereford, Herefordshire
Recruiter: Herefordshire Council

Development Engineer

£35,967 - £41,268 per annum
Are you ready to play a key role in shaping and safeguarding the future of our highways and public spaces? Bexley (City/Town), London (Greater)
Recruiter: London Borough of Bexley

Professional Services Partnering Manager

Grade 13 £47,653 - £51,296 per annum (pay award pending)
We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Professional Services Partnering Manager to lead the strategic management Darley Dale, Matlock
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Technical Supervision Manager

Grade 13 £47,653 - £51,296 per annum (pay award pending)
We are looking for an experienced and driven Technical Supervision Manager to lead our technical supervision teams within the Highways Service. Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Street Lighting Electrician (CDC)

Grade 8, £32,662 - £36,239 (pay award pending)
Highways Operations is a growing service area within the Place directorate. Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recruiter: City Of Doncaster Council

Highways Assistant Engineer WMF2133e

£39,513 to £40,476
We have an exciting opportunity for the right person to work within the challenging and ever-changing landscape. Penrith, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Highways Inspector/NRSWA

£36,345 - £40,344
We are looking for an organised and self-motivated individual to join our Streetworks Team based in Hackney Central. Hackney, London (Greater)
Recruiter: London Borough of Hackney Council

Structures Commissioner

Grade 14 £53,166 - £59,080 per annum (Pay Award Pending)
We are seeking an experienced and strategic leader to join our team as the Structures Commissioner. Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Team Leader Network Co-ordination

£51,429 - £58,140
As Team Leader for Network Coordination, you’ll manage a team that oversees all works and events on our public highways. Kensington and Chelsea, London (Greater)
Recruiter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

PRINCIPAL TRANSPORT PLANNING OFFICER

£43693 - £46731
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced professional to join our team in Hull as a Principal Transport Planning Officer. Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire
Recruiter: Hull City Council

HIGHWAYS AND TRAFFIC ENGINEER - 4 POSTS

£43693 - £46731
We have several exciting opportunities for suitably qualified Highways Civil Engineers and Traffic Engineers Wilson Centre, 1st floor, Hull HU1 2AG
Recruiter: Hull City Council

Principal Transport Planner

£45,718 to £49,764
Do you have considerable experience in the transport strategy and policy, and are you looking for your next career development opportunity? Sheffield, South Yorkshire
Recruiter: Sheffield City Council

Project Lead - Bridges and Structures WMF3037e

£45,718 to £46,731
We are currently seeking to recruit a Project Lead to join our Bridges and Structures team Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council
SUBSCRIBE NOW

Latest Video

Subscribe to Highways today to ensure you keep your finger on the pulse of everything happening in the UK road network throughout the year.

SUBSCRIBE NOW