Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what guidance they provide to local authorities about the safety aspects of filling pot holes; and whether any such guidance makes specific reference to the needs of cyclists.

Advice about potholes is available to local highway authorities through the UK Roads Liaison Group Code of Practice, “Well Managed Highway Infrastructure”. This Code provides guidance to highway authorities on maintaining and managing their highways for all road users.

The Code refers to other advice, including the Pothole Review report published in 2012, which provides guidance on areas including preventative maintenance and delivering “right first time” pothole repairs. This Report was endorsed by a number of organisations, including the Cyclists’ Touring Club, now Cycling UK and refers to the needs of cyclists when considering maintenance requirements. The Review report recommends that authorities consider the guidance provided in the ADEPT report, “Potholes and Repair Techniques for Local Highways” and adopt as appropriate to their local circumstances using a risk based approach which should take account of the need of cyclists.