App allows users to send pothole data to highway authorities

Cycling UK has launched a new version of its pothole reporting tool Fill That Hole, which sends reports of all road defects to the relevant highway authority.

Since the initial launch of the tool in 2007 nearly 200,000 potholes have been reported over the whole of the UK.  

“Prior to Fill That Hole, there was no easy way to report potholes and other road defects without working out which highway authority was responsible for each stretch of road,” said Cycling UK. “Fill That Hole works as a one stop shop, and takes the difficulty out of reporting through a few simple taps of your phone.”

Previously, all information inputted on the app would be turned into an email and sent to the relevant authority. Cycling UK found that in a small number of cases authorities were no longer accepting the reports. The new version of the app now sends information directly to the highway authority’s reporting system.

Highway authorities have a legal responsibility to check and repair where necessary, the charity pointed out. “If the authority fails to take action, these reports can help others in the future should they need to claim for damage or injury against the council if that road defect hasn’t been fixed.”

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

Sarah Mitchell, Cycling UK’s chief executive said: “Thanks to reports made by Fill That Hole’s thousands of users over the years, dangerous stretches of our roads have been identified, fixed and made safe for all road users. 

“It’s important to report road defects when we find them for the safety of us all, and Cycling UK hopes that everyone who cycles will make these reports more easily than ever using Fill That Hole.” 

www.fillthathole.org.uk