Frequently asked questions - roads and pavements
When will the road/pavement down my street be resurfaced?
We are not currently answering specific enquiries on individual roads. The current Highways Improvement Programme pages list roads and footpaths to be treated. We are currently preparing the priority list for the following years programme. The list will prioritise the order in which all carriageways and footways across the City will be assessed for treatment and will be accompanied with additional information to explain the process. The list is reviewed annually and updated with new information when available.
I want to report a pothole - what is the size criteria for a repair to take place?
- the size criteria for a carriageway pothole is 40mm deep by 300mm long
- the size criteria for a footway pothole is 20mm deep by 600mm long
- the size criteria for tripping hazard, such as a raised paving slab, is 20mm
You can report a pothole on the report it page.
Who is responsible for manhole/inspection covers?
Anglian Water are responsible for the majority of manhole covers although some will be the responsibility of the highway authority.
You can report any issues with manhole covers to Anglian Water either online or by calling 03457 145 145.
You can also report it with us online via our online form, please select "Manhole/Inspection Cover" from the drop-down list on the form.
Who is responsible for utility cabinets?
The appropriate utility company will be responsible for its utility cabinets. If you have a general enquiry regarding a utility cabinet, please attempt to contact the relevent company. If you want to report an issue with a utility cabinet it can be done by submitting a report an issue on our highway network form please select Utility Cabinet from the drop down list on the online form.
How can I get my dropped kerb repaired?
You can do this online using our report an issue on our highway network online form, please select dropped kerb from the drop down list.
There is a street/traffic sign missing or damaged - how do I report this?
You can do this online using our report an issue on our highway network online form, please select Signs from the drop down list.
When do the Council carry out routine maintenance checks on my street?
Routine inspections are completed upon the hierarchy of the location in question. Busier locations will be inspected more frequently. The inspection regime will be set out in the new highway inspection policy due to be published in 2022.
Why is the Council using black asphalt instead of paving slabs?
There are number reasons for this some of these are cost and safety, but black asphalt is used in line with the Council's current resurfacing policy.
What is the Council doing to protect grass verges?
The Highways Enforcement team will investigate any damage caused to grass verges and can be reported online by filling in th report an issue on our highway network MySouthend form, please select Verges from the drop-down list or you can report it by emailing HighwaysEnforcement@southend.gov.uk.
Will the Council install a bollard to protect a grass verge?
It is best practice not to install bollards as this increases maintenance and costs. The Highways Enforcement team will investigate any damage caused. Any damage and can be reported online by filling in a report an issue on our highway network MySouthend form, please select "Verges" from the drop-down list or you can report it by emailing HighwaysEnforcement@southend.gov.uk.
A bench on the highway/seafront is damaged - how do I report this?
You can report this online using our report an issue on our highway network online form, please select bench from the drop down list.
What planned works or traffic disruptions are happening or due to happen in my area?
The one.network website has the most up to date source of highways information.
You can use this platform to see planned traffic disruptions and view additional information including contact details for utility companies, estimated delays coded with the traffic light system, public events and full directions of diversion routes.
You can view today and next two weeks without needing to sign up to the service. If you sign up for this free service, you can then see next three months and next twelve months.
The yellow/white lines have faded - can these be repainted?
You can submit an online report using our report an issue on our highway network online form, please select road markings from the drop down list.