GuidesHow to Photograph Pothole Damage

How to Photograph Pothole Damage

Take photos that clearly show the defect and support your claim. Good evidence photography can make the difference between success and rejection.

6 min read

Updated 12 January 2026

Reviewed for UK claims practice

At a glance

Four essential shots: Close-up, wide shot, measurement shot, and location shot
Showing depth: Place a ruler — or a £1 coin, pen, or phone — in the deepest part and photograph side-on at ground level
Council intervention level: Around 40mm (about 1.5 inches) deep
Best timing: Same day as the incident; otherwise return within 24-48 hours
If already repaired: Photograph the fresh repair patch — it proves the defect existed

Why Photos Matter

Your photographs are often the most important evidence in a pothole claim. They need to clearly show the defect existed, how severe it was, and where it was located. Poor photos can sink an otherwise strong claim.

Perfect for:

Anyone who has experienced pothole damage and needs to document the defect properly. Even if you've already taken some photos, this guide will help you identify what else you need.

The Four Essential Shots

For a strong claim, capture these four types of photograph:

📷 Close-up Shot

Get close to show the depth, edges, and texture of the pothole. This demonstrates severity.

📷 Wide Shot

Step back to show the pothole in context — its position on the road, nearby features.

📷 Measurement Shot

Place a ruler, tape measure, or common object next to the pothole to show scale.

📷 Location Shot

Capture road signs, house numbers, or landmarks that prove exactly where it was.

The Golden Rule: Show the Depth

Depth is the most critical factor councils assess. Most use an "intervention level" of around 40mm (about 1.5 inches) — defects shallower than this may be considered acceptable.

How to show depth clearly:

Best: Ruler

Place a ruler or tape measure vertically in the deepest part — the gold standard for evidence.

Good: Common Objects

A £1 coin (3mm), pen (10mm diameter), or phone (8mm) can work as reference.

Angle Matters

Photograph from the side at ground level — not straight down — to show true depth.

Water-filled potholes

If possible, wait for water to drain before photographing. Councils may argue a water-filled pothole was shallower than claimed because you couldn't measure the depth.

Step-by-Step Guide

Get There Safely

Never put yourself at risk to photograph a pothole. If it's on a busy road, wait for a safe gap or return at a quieter time. Use your phone's zoom for distant shots.

For motorways, don't stop on the hard shoulder just for photos. Use dashcam footage if available, and report the defect to National Highways.

Take the Close-up

Get as close as safely possible. Show the edges, cracks, and depth of the pothole. This is your primary evidence that a dangerous defect existed.

Add Measurement

Place your ruler, tape measure, or reference object in the deepest part. Take photos from multiple angles — side-on is best for showing depth.

Capture Context

Step back and show the pothole's position on the road. Include any road markings, the carriageway edge, and surrounding features.

Document Location

Photograph nearby landmarks — road signs, house numbers, business names. Also use digital methods:

GPS Photos

Enable location on your phone so photos include coordinates

Drop a Pin

Screenshot a Google/Apple Maps pin at the exact spot

what3words

Get a unique 3-word address for the precise location

Take Multiple Shots

Don't just take one photo of each type — take several. Storage is free, and you can select the clearest ones later. Better to have too many than too few.

Timing Matters

Take your photos as soon as possible after the incident. Here's why:

Same Day Is Ideal

Photos taken immediately after the incident are the most compelling evidence.

Potholes Get Fixed

Councils may repair the defect before you return, weakening your evidence.

Weather Changes Things

Rain, frost, and traffic can alter a pothole's appearance over time.

Memory Fades

You'll remember exact details better if you document immediately.

If you couldn't photograph at the time (e.g., you were on a motorway), return as soon as safely possible — ideally within 24-48 hours. Acting promptly also keeps the rest of your claim timeline on track.

Technical Tips

Get the clearest possible images:

✓Clean your lens — Smudges cause blur. Quick wipe before shooting.
✓Good lighting — Daylight is best. Avoid harsh shadows or very low light.
✓Tap to focus — On your smartphone, tap the pothole on screen to focus on it.
✓Steady hands — Brace your elbows or use both hands to reduce blur.
✓Avoid flash — Natural light shows depth better than flash, which flattens images.

If the Pothole Has Been Repaired

Don't give up if you return to find the pothole fixed:

Photo the Repair

Fresh tarmac shows where the pothole was and proves it existed.

Check Prior Reports

FixMyStreet and council records may have photos from before the repair.

Dashcam Footage

If you have footage of the incident, this substitutes for later photos.

Request Records

Councils keep inspection logs — the repair record proves the defect existed.

Repairs can help your case

A quick repair actually supports your claim — it suggests the council knew the defect was serious enough to fix promptly.

Photo Checklist

Before you leave, make sure you have:

Close-up showing depth and edges

Photo with ruler/object for scale

Wide shot showing road position

Nearby landmarks photographed

GPS/location recorded

Date and time noted

Frequently Asked Questions

You need four types of photos: a close-up of the pothole showing depth and edges, a wide shot showing its position on the road, a measurement shot with a ruler or common object for scale, and location shots showing road signs or landmarks to prove where it was.

The best method is to place a ruler or tape measure vertically in the deepest part of the pothole. If you don't have a ruler, use a common object like a £1 coin (3mm thick), a standard pen (10mm diameter), or your phone (about 8mm thick). Photograph from the side at ground level to show depth clearly.

Return as soon as safely possible — ideally within 24-48 hours. If the pothole has been repaired, photograph the fresh repair patch as evidence the defect existed. You can also check FixMyStreet for prior reports that may include photos, or request the council's inspection records.

Yes, modern smartphone cameras are absolutely fine for evidence photos. Make sure your lens is clean, tap to focus on the pothole, and take multiple shots. Enable location services so your photos include GPS coordinates.

Safety comes first. Never stand in live traffic. Wait for a safe gap, wear visible clothing, or return at a quieter time. Use your phone's zoom for distant shots. For motorways, use dashcam footage if available rather than stopping on the hard shoulder.

Use multiple methods: enable GPS on your phone so photos include coordinates, drop a pin in Google/Apple Maps and screenshot it, use what3words for a precise 3-word address, and photograph nearby landmarks like house numbers, road signs, or business names.

If possible, wait for the water to drain. A water-filled pothole makes it impossible to judge depth, and councils may argue the defect was shallower than claimed. If you can't wait, take photos anyway and note in your claim that it was raining.

Yes, timing matters. Most smartphones automatically embed the date and time in photo metadata. If yours doesn't, note the date, time, and location immediately after taking photos. Photos taken the same day as the incident are most compelling.

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