Potholes
Let us know if you spot a bad
pothole on a Newham street.
Potholes are formed by water penetrating the asphalt
surface of a road through cracks caused by traffic. When
temperatures plunge, surface water freezes, expands and causes the
surface to rupture, which causes the pothole.
The severe weather conditions of the 2010-11 winter yet
again resulted in a significant increase in potholes in
carriageways. Since April 2010 the council has repaired
approximately 14,000 highway defects (10,000 in the carriageway and
4,000 in footways). The problem of highway defects has been
exacerbated by adverse weather conditions over the last three
years. The incidence of snow, rain, freezing temperatures and
freeze/thaw cycles gives rise to further potholes. It is estimated
that 6,000 potholes developed in Newham roads as a result of the
2010-11 winter alone.
The council is doing its utmost to deal with problem of potholes.
The Department of Transport recognises the problem the council is
facing with unprecedented amount of damage to roads from last
winter and has granted £291k towards helping with the repair of
potholes. This has complemented the council's budget of £1.4m for
highways responsive maintenance. The addition funding from the
Department of Transport has helped the council to deal with some of
the 6000 additional pothole repairs.
Report a pothole
The council's priority remains to ensure the safety of the public
on the highway, and we are continually repairing highway defects.
Let the council know if you spot a bad pothole on a Newham street
by calling 020 8430 2000 or using our
online form by giving us the exact location of the pothole. The
council's aim is to intervene quickly to maintain safe roads.