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  2. Travel, transport and roads
  3. Problems with roads and streets

Reporting problems with pavements and private street maintenance

The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) is responsible for maintaining adopted roads (including footpaths and verges). On a private street, responsibility for maintenance lies with its owners.

What DfI can do

DfI is responsible for making sure pavements are free from trip hazards and other defects as far as reasonably practical for public safety reasons.

DfI is not, however, responsible for maintaining a ‘private street’. The responsibility for private streets lies with the street owners, usually the developer or those who live on the street.

However, if a problem is thought to be a 'danger' (for example, a deep hole in the road suddenly appearing) DfI may arrange to make it safe by placing barriers or road closures around the hazard. DfI may seek to recover costs from the owner if possible.

Permanent repairs are then carried out by the owner or owners.

Reporting damaged pavements

Roads, footways or verges may become damaged due to wear and tear, vandalism or a utility company (such as a gas or telecoms company) carrying out works.

In the latter case, these companies are responsible for providing a safe route for pedestrians and other traffic to pass. They are also responsible for making sure the pavement is left in good condition after the work is completed.

You can report a fault to DfI by email, in writing, in person to the relevant office, or by telephone (for emergencies only) using the details at this link:

  • DfI Roads 

Getting a private street adopted

You may be able to apply to get a private street adopted by DfI providing it is at, or is brought up to an, acceptable standard.

If you live on an existing private street and would like DfI to take on responsibility for maintenance, you can apply to have your road adopted.

DfI may consider private streets/ footways for adoption where:

  • the majority of owners whose properties front onto the road or street request it
  • the roads or streets are first brought to adoption standard at the expense of the owner(s)
  • DfI's opinion is that the street should become a public road

In considering such requests, DfI must be satisfied that inclusion of an area into the public network is in the public interest, bearing in mind the cost implications for future maintenance.

For more information on how to apply for a road to be adopted, contact DfI Roads.

More useful links

  • Clearing ice and snow from footways
  • Traffic management
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Problems with roads and streets

  • Claim compensation due to a road or street problem
  • Clearing ice and snow from footways
  • Complaining about how a roads-related claim was handled
  • Drains, gullies and sewers
  • Report a pothole or other surface defect
  • Report a problem with a crash barrier or guardrail
  • Report a problem with a manhole or gully cover
  • Report a road drainage fault
  • Report a road spillage
  • Report a street light fault
  • Report an issue with a road sign or marking
  • Report an issue with graffiti, fly-posters or unlawful ad signs
  • Report an issue with ice or snow
  • Report an issue with roadworks
  • Report an obstruction on a road or street
  • Reporting problems with pavements and private street maintenance
  • Roadside grass cutting, weeds and overgrown hedges or trees
  • Track progress of a compensation claim
  • Track progress of a reported road fault or issue
  • Track progress of a reported street light fault
  • Traffic lights and reporting a fault
  • When you see animals wandering on the road

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If you wish to report a problem with a road or street you can do so online in this section.

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