UK drivers · Section 58 Highways Act 1980
Turn a bad day on the road into a
well-evidenced claim to your council.
Pothole Mole walks you through gathering the evidence councils actually respond to: photos, a Freedom of Information request, FixMyStreet history, and a properly framed claim letter — all drafted for you.
1. Tell us what happened
Vehicle, damage, pothole location, receipts. Upload your photos.
2. FOI + FixMyStreet
We draft an FOI for inspection records and cross-check FixMyStreet reports nearby.
3. Section 58 letter
A formal claim letter that addresses the council's s.58 defence head-on.
4. Send & track
Print & post, or email direct to the council with your evidence attached.
What to expect
Councils are slow. We keep you moving.
A pothole claim can take months from first letter to final decision. Here's a realistic timeline of what a UK highway authority typically takes to reply at each stage.
FOI response
Up to 20 working days
Statutory limit under the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
Initial claim acknowledgement
1–4 weeks
Most councils confirm receipt within a month.
First substantive decision
2–3 months
After insurers or legal team review your evidence.
Follow-up rounds
4–8 weeks each
Every rebuttal restarts the clock. Persistence pays.
"A quote could take months — but Pothole Mole is here to make the journey easier, and help you avoid bumps (or holes) along the way."
Pothole Mole produces drafts and helps you organise evidence. It does not provide legal advice and does not represent you. Highway authority processes vary; always review each document before sending.