We totally get how frustrating potholes can be when you're out in Harrow. We are grateful for our residents' efforts in reporting them. It helps us keep our streets smoother and safer for everyone.
Potholes can form when water gets into small cracks in the road. When temperatures fall below zero, the trapped water turns to ice and expands. As the ice grows, it pushes the road surface apart and weakens the tarmac.
Warm weather thaws the ice, creating a gap beneath the road surface. When vehicles pass over this weak spot, the road breaks down and forms a pothole.
Electric vehicles (EVs) have heavy battery packs. This makes them much heavier than traditional vehicles. Whilst they are greener, their extra weight puts more pressure on local roads. This extra weight speeds up wear and tear on roads that already have minor cracks.
If you see a pothole in Harrow
If you see a pothole on a street or pavement, you can let us know. To help us deal with the pothole as quickly as possible, please let us know:
- The exact street address or landmark nearby
- The position of the hole on the road or pavement
- How deep or wide the hole looks
- A photo of the pothole if it is safe to take one.
Reporting a pothole
You can use our online map to report an issue by following these steps:
- On the map, move the pin so it points to the location of the issue.
- You can also type a nearby street name or postcode into the search bar.
- Make sure the pin sits on an area shaded in green. The green shading shows that the street is a road that we look after. The areas shaded in red is private land.
- Check your location and then continue with your report.
What happens next
- A supervisor will check the pothole. They will assess its size, location, and risk to road users. They will prioritise repairs based on how severe the pothole is.
- We aim to respond to your report within 10 working days.

