Melbourne Pothole Repair - City Bylaw Timelines

Transportation Victoria 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 11, 2026 Flag of Victoria

Melbourne, Victoria residents who notice kerbside potholes or road defects should report them so the city can inspect and arrange repairs. This guide explains who enforces kerbside repairs in the City of Melbourne, what to expect for response and repair timelines, how to report defects, and the available review and appeal routes. Where official pages do not state specific fines or fixed timeframes, this article notes that the information is "not specified on the cited page" and directs you to the City of Melbourne reporting service for the current process and forms. Current as of February 2026.

Reporting a Kerbside Pothole

Use the City of Melbourne online report form to notify council of a pothole on a local street; for state-managed roads contact the Victorian road authority. Provide the exact address, a clear photo, and any traffic or safety risk details when you submit the report.[1]

Include a photo and precise location to speed inspection.

Penalties & Enforcement

The City of Melbourne is responsible for inspecting and arranging repair of local road defects. Specific monetary penalties, escalation rules and non-monetary sanctions for kerbside potholes are not plainly listed on the City reporting page cited above; where the official page omits figures this guide records "not specified on the cited page".

  • Enforcer: City of Melbourne roads/maintenance team (see reporting page for contact pathways).
  • Fines: not specified on the cited page for kerbside pothole defects or owner liability.
  • Escalation: first/repeat/continuing offence penalties are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary remedies: orders to repair, direction to contractors, or court action may be available but specific sanctions are not detailed on the cited page.
  • Inspection and complaint pathway: submit an online report via the City of Melbourne reporting service; urgent hazards may have alternate contact numbers listed on the City site.
  • Appeal and review: the City publishes internal review and complaint processes; specific time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited page and should be confirmed with the City when you submit a report.
If you believe a defect caused damage, keep photos and repair invoices as evidence.

Applications & Forms

The City of Melbourne uses an online "Report a road problem" form for potholes and related defects; no separate permit or printed form is required for reporting. Any fees for council handling or special inspections are not specified on the cited page, so check the report form or contact the City for fee details.

Action steps - what you should do

  • Document the location, size and hazard level with photos and approximate dimensions.
  • Submit the online report via the City of Melbourne report page with your contact details for follow-up.
  • If the pothole is a serious safety risk to traffic or pedestrians, mark the area safely and use any listed urgent contact numbers on the City page.
  • Keep a record of the report number and correspondence; this supports any later claim or appeal.
Keep receipts and photos if you intend to claim for vehicle damage.

FAQ

Who fixes kerbside potholes in Melbourne?
The City of Melbourne arranges inspection and repair of local road defects; state roads are managed by the Victorian road authority.
How do I report a pothole?
Use the City of Melbourne online report form listed in Resources, include photos and exact location.
How long until a pothole is fixed?
Specific response and repair timelines are not specified on the cited City page; the City will prioritise hazards and advise via your report reference.

How-To

  1. Locate the pothole and note the precise street address or nearest intersection.
  2. Take clear photos showing scale (include a coin or ruler) and note any traffic or pedestrian risk.
  3. Check whether the road is managed by the City of Melbourne or the state road authority; if unsure, report it and the City will advise.
  4. Submit the online "Report a road problem" form with your contact details and attach photos.[1]
  5. Record the report number and monitor the City's response; follow up with the City contact if you do not receive an update in a reasonable time.
  6. If the defect caused damage or injury, preserve evidence and seek legal or insurance advice promptly.

Key Takeaways

  • Report promptly with photos to help the City prioritise repairs.
  • Use the City of Melbourne online form for local roads; state roads use the Victorian road authority.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Melbourne - Report a road problem

Categories

General Governance and Administration Public Safety Public Health and Welfare Land Use and Zoning Housing and Building Standards Transportation Environmental Protection Parks and Public Spaces Business and Consumer Protection Taxation and Finance Labor and Employment Education Civil Rights and Equity Elections and Campaign Finance Events and Special Uses Signs and Advertising Utilities and Infrastructure Technology and Data