Why Evidence Matters
If you’re reporting a pothole to get it fixed, evidence forces the council to take your report seriously. If you’re making a compensation claim for vehicle damage, evidence is everything — without it, your claim will almost certainly be rejected.
Under the Highways Act 1980, you need to demonstrate that a defect existed, that the highway authority knew or should have known about it, and that it caused your damage. Photographs, measurements, and records are what turn your word into proof.
The good news: gathering strong evidence takes about five minutes if you know what to capture. This guide walks you through every step.
Photographing the Pothole
Your photos need to tell the full story — the location, the size, the severity, and the surroundings. Follow these five steps for comprehensive photographic evidence.
Take a Wide-Angle Context Shot
Stand back and photograph the pothole in the context of the road. This shot should show the road name sign if visible, the surrounding environment, and where the pothole sits in relation to the carriageway. This proves where the defect is located.
Take a Close-Up Detail Shot
Move closer and photograph the pothole itself. Capture the edges, the depth, and the surface condition. This shot should clearly show the severity of the defect — crumbling tarmac, exposed aggregate, standing water, or sharp edges.
Place an Object for Scale
Without a scale reference, it’s impossible to judge size from a photo. Place a common object next to the pothole: a 20p coin (21mm diameter), a standard ruler, or your phone lying flat. Make sure the object and the pothole are both clearly visible in the frame.
Photograph From Multiple Angles
Take at least three photos from different angles. Shoot from the direction of approaching traffic, from the side, and from directly above (if safe). Different angles reveal different aspects of the defect and prevent any claim that the photo is misleading.
Capture Road Markings and Signs
Photograph any nearby road markings, speed limit signs, street name plates, or warning signs. These help pinpoint the exact location and can also be relevant if the pothole is near a junction, crossing, or speed restriction.
Measuring the Pothole
Measurements give your report and claim concrete, verifiable data. Most highway authorities use specific depth thresholds to classify defects, so accurate measurements can determine how urgently your report is treated.
Width and Length
Measure the longest and widest points of the pothole. Use a tape measure if you have one. If not, use your phone (roughly 15cm long) or hand span (roughly 20cm) as a reference. Record the measurements in centimetres.
Depth
Depth is the most important measurement. Place a straight edge (ruler, phone, or even a stick) across the top of the pothole and measure down to the lowest point. Photograph this measurement.
Key threshold: Most highway authorities classify a defect of 40mm or deeper as an intervention-level hazard requiring urgent repair. Anything at or above this depth should be treated seriously.
Shape and Edges
Note whether the edges are sharp or crumbling, whether the pothole is expanding, and its general shape. Sharp, well-defined edges indicate recent formation. Crumbling, irregular edges suggest the defect has been deteriorating over time — which is relevant to whether the council should have spotted it during routine inspections.
Documenting Vehicle Damage
If a pothole has damaged your vehicle, thorough documentation is essential for any compensation claim. Start gathering evidence as soon as possible after the incident.
Photograph All Damage Immediately
Take clear, well-lit photographs of every area of damage as soon as it’s safe to do so. Include close-ups and wider shots that show the damage in context. If a tyre has gone flat, photograph it before changing it.
Get at Least Two Repair Quotes
Obtain written quotes from at least two reputable garages. Councils and insurers expect to see that you’ve sought competitive pricing. Keep the quotes on headed paper if possible.
Keep All Receipts
Save every receipt related to the damage: repairs, recovery costs, hire car expenses, and any other costs directly caused by the incident. These form the basis of your compensation figure.
Record Vehicle Details
Note your vehicle’s current mileage, its overall condition before the incident, and any recent MOT or service history. This helps counter any argument that the damage was pre-existing or due to wear.
Location & Timestamp Best Practices
Get These Details Right
- Enable GPS on your camera — Most smartphone cameras can embed GPS coordinates in photo metadata (EXIF data). Check your camera settings and make sure location tagging is turned on.
- Screenshot a Google Maps pin — Open Google Maps, tap and hold on the pothole’s location to drop a pin, and take a screenshot. This provides a visual record of the precise location.
- Note the nearest address — Record the road name, nearest house or building number, and which direction you were travelling. Include the specific lane if it’s a multi-lane road.
- Record the date and time — Note exactly when you observed or hit the pothole. If your photos have timestamps enabled, this is captured automatically. If not, write it down immediately.
- Note weather and visibility — Record the weather conditions (rain, fog, darkness) and visibility at the time. Poor conditions can explain why you couldn’t avoid the pothole and are relevant to your claim.
Evidence Checklist
Use this checklist to make sure you’ve captured everything you need. The more items you can tick off, the stronger your report or claim will be.
Complete Evidence Pack
Pothole Photos
- Wide-angle context photograph
- Close-up detail photograph
- Photo with scale reference object
- Photos from multiple angles
- Photos of nearby road signs or markings
Measurements
- Width measurement (cm)
- Length measurement (cm)
- Depth measurement (mm)
- Notes on shape and edge condition
Location
- Road name and nearest house number
- GPS coordinates or map screenshot
- Direction of travel and lane position
- Date and time of observation
- Weather and visibility conditions
Vehicle Damage (if applicable)
- Photos of all damage to vehicle
- At least two written repair quotes
- All repair and recovery receipts
- Vehicle mileage and condition notes
- MOT or recent service history
Report Records
- Copy of submitted report
- Reference number from council or FixMyStreet
- Confirmation email or screenshot
- Follow-up correspondence
Ready to submit your report?
Go to Reporting GuideFrequently Asked Questions
What evidence do I need for a pothole claim?
You need photographs of the pothole from multiple angles with a scale reference, measurements of the width, length, and depth, the exact location with GPS coordinates, photos of your vehicle damage, at least two written repair quotes, and all receipts for repairs and related costs. A report reference number from the council or FixMyStreet proving the defect was reported also strengthens your claim.
Can I use dashcam footage for a pothole claim?
Yes, dashcam footage is excellent evidence for a pothole claim. It can show the exact moment of impact, the road conditions, your speed, and that the pothole was unavoidable. Make sure you save the footage immediately after the incident, as many dashcams overwrite old files automatically. Back up the file to your computer or cloud storage as soon as possible.
Do I need a mechanic's report for a pothole claim?
A mechanic's report is not strictly required, but it significantly strengthens your claim. An independent mechanic can confirm that the damage is consistent with hitting a pothole rather than being caused by wear and tear or a previous incident. Ask the mechanic to provide a written report on headed paper detailing the damage, the likely cause, and the cost of repair.
How do I prove a pothole caused my damage?
To prove causation, you need to link the pothole to your damage with a chain of evidence: photographs of the pothole taken at the time of the incident, photos of your vehicle damage taken immediately after, dashcam footage if available, a timeline showing the damage appeared after hitting the pothole, and ideally a mechanic's report confirming the damage is consistent with a road defect impact.
How do I measure the depth of a pothole?
Place a straight edge such as a ruler, spirit level, or even your phone flat across the top of the pothole so it bridges the gap. Then measure vertically from the underside of the straight edge down to the lowest point of the pothole. Photograph this measurement clearly. Most UK highway authorities classify defects 40mm or deeper as intervention-level hazards requiring urgent repair.