All roads in the borough are subject to routine inspections, with main roads checked monthly and quieter residential streets annually. Potholes identified during inspections are prioritised by the level of risk they pose.
In 2025, Walsall Council took a proactive approach to road maintenance, carrying out 6,249 pothole repairs across the borough. The majority of these were identified through regular highway safety inspections, alongside 489 potholes reported by residents. While around 10 per cent of repairs were completed using traditional methods, most were carried out using specialist high-pressure equipment to clean, seal and fill potholes, enabling faster, safer repairs and helping to keep roads open and traffic moving.
Repairs are prioritised using a risk-based approach, in line with practices used by councils across the country. This means defects are assessed based on factors such as size, location and traffic levels, with repair timescales ranging from within 24 hours for the most serious issues to up to six months for lower-risk defects. Where there is an immediate safety concern, temporary repairs can be carried out quickly to keep road users safe until a permanent solution is delivered.
“ We know potholes are one of the biggest concerns for road users, which is why our teams work proactively throughout the year to identify and repair defects as early as possible.
Councillor Suky Samra, Portfolio Holder for Street Scene
"By combining regular inspections with modern repair methods that allow us to fix potholes more quickly and safely, we’re able to reduce disruption and keep people moving across the borough. National Pothole Day is a chance to highlight the work that often goes unseen in helping to maintain our roads. “
Residents can report potholes online via the council’s website: https://go.walsall.gov.uk/apply/myaccount-online-services/roads-pavements-signs-and-lights/report-pothole
