Find the right authority, reporting information and evidence requirements for common road problems. PureCar provides guidance but does not submit official reports or claims.
Report a blocked road drain or gully
DfI Roads deals with drainage problems affecting publicly maintained roads, including blocked roadside gullies, standing water and drainage faults.
Information to collect
- Road name, town and precise location
- Nearest junction, landmark or property
- Whether the gully is blocked, overflowing or damaged
- Whether standing water is affecting traffic or pedestrians
- Photographs where they can be taken safely
Ordinary road drainage faults can be reported through the DfI reporting service. If active flooding affects road users or is entering property from the road, phone the Flooding Incident Line on 0300 2000 100.
Overflowing public sewers and burst water mains may be NI Water's responsibility. NI Waterline: 0345 744 0088.
Report road flooding in Northern Ireland
For flooding affecting roads, properties or drainage systems, call the Northern Ireland Flooding Incident Line.
Flooding Incident Line: 0300 2000 100
The line is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Staff can direct the report to the appropriate responding organisation.
- Give the precise location and nearby landmarks
- Describe whether a road, footway or property is affected
- Explain any risks to vehicles or pedestrians
- Do not drive or walk through floodwater
This reporting line is not an emergency service. If someone is in immediate danger or there is a risk to life, call 999.
Report a damaged pavement or footway
DfI Roads maintains publicly adopted footways. Damaged paving flags, missing kerbstones and surface defects can be reported as road or footway defects.
- Describe the uneven, missing or broken surface
- Identify the street, town and exact position
- Give an approximate measurement of the defect
- Explain any particular risk to pedestrians
Private footways may be the responsibility of the property owner or developer. For urgent dangerous defects, DfI Roads can be contacted on 0300 200 7899.
Report overgrown trees or roadside hedges
Overgrown roadside vegetation can reduce visibility, obscure traffic signs or obstruct footways. Responsibility depends on where the vegetation grows and who owns it.
- Identify the exact road or footway location
- Explain whether visibility or pedestrian access is affected
- Describe any obstruction of road signs or junctions
- Photograph the problem from a safe position
DfI has a separate process for roadside vegetation issues. Do not assume that privately owned hedges are automatically maintained by DfI. Dangerous or urgent road situations can be raised with DfI Roads on 0300 200 7899.
Claim for pothole damage to your vehicle
If your vehicle was damaged because of a road defect and you believe DfI is responsible, you can make a vehicle-damage compensation claim. Payment is not guaranteed; liability is assessed individually.
Keep this evidence
- Date, time and precise location of the incident
- Photographs of the defect and surrounding landmarks
- Photographs of the vehicle damage
- Repair invoices or estimates and relevant receipts
- Vehicle Test certificate and relevant V5C details
- Any damaged parts that may need examination
Submission by email: Complete the official DfI Vehicle Damage Compensation Claim Form and send it with the required evidence to claimsunit@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk.
DfI also operates an online claims system. Its published average decision time for vehicle-damage claims is approximately four months.
Report a damaged or missing manhole cover
Manholes can belong to utilities such as NI Water, telecommunications operators or gas and electricity companies. Roadside gully covers may be maintained by DfI.
Record the exact location and describe whether a cover is missing, displaced, broken or dangerously loose.
If the responsible utility is unknown, DfI has a reporting process for manhole and gully-cover problems. For NI Water infrastructure, phone 0345 744 0088.
