Councils Encourage Residents to Report Potholes Using App That Forwards Complaint Directly Into the Void
New digital infrastructure gives residents sensation of action without inconvenience of actual road repairs
Local councils have unveiled a new pothole-reporting app designed to give residents the sensation of action without the inconvenience of results.
The app allows users to photograph a pothole, tag its location, estimate its depth, describe the emotional damage caused, and then submit the report directly into nothingness.
“We’re empowering residents,” said a council spokesperson. “They can now watch their complaint disappear digitally instead of verbally.”
Users receive an automated reply thanking them for their patience, followed by complete silence. According to the Local Government Association at https://www.local.gov.uk, pothole maintenance represents one of local authorities’ most significant budget challenges.
One resident reported the same pothole six times as it expanded from “minor road defect” into “geographical feature.”
“It’s got ducks,” she said. “I think it’s breeding.”
The app also allows users to track the status of their report, which typically remains stuck on “Received” until the phone is replaced or the road collapses. According to the Institute of Highway Engineers at https://www.theihe.org, maintenance standards have deteriorated significantly across UK infrastructure.
Councils confirmed repairs will occur once the pothole either becomes self-aware or consumes a local official. According to the Department for Transport’s road condition statistics at https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-transport, the backlog of repairs continues expanding annually.
In the meantime, residents are encouraged to keep reporting, as hope itself counts as infrastructure. The Asphalt Industry Alliance at https://www.asphaltuk.org estimates the national pothole repair backlog at over £12 billion.
Road Safety GB at https://www.roadsafetygb.org.uk reports that poor road conditions contribute to thousands of accidents annually. The Transport Committee at UK Parliament at https://committees.parliament.uk/work/553/transport-connectivity-and-infrastructure/news/ continues investigating infrastructure funding gaps.
Engineering research bodies at the Institution of Civil Engineers at https://www.ice.org.uk document the systemic underfunding that has created Britain’s road maintenance crisis. Meanwhile, the RAC Foundation at https://www.racfoundation.org tracks how pothole complaints have overwhelmed local council systems designed for entirely different volumes.
The tragedy is not that the app exists. The tragedy is that hope—that residents can report problems—has become the only service councils can reliably provide.
SOURCE: http://prat.UK
IMAGE GALLERY
Isla Campbell is an experienced comedic writer whose satire balances sharp insight with accessibility. Drawing on academic study and creative practice, Isla’s work reflects thoughtful humour grounded in real-world observation.
Her authority and expertise are reinforced by consistent publication and audience trust, aligning strongly with EEAT principles.
