Report Potholes & Footpath Damage - Perth Bylaws

Transportation Western Australia 3 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026 Flag of Western Australia

Perth, Western Australia residents and road users should report potholes and footpath damage promptly to the City of Perth so the responsible authority can inspect and repair hazards. This guide explains who enforces local road and footpath maintenance in Perth, how to lodge an online report, typical enforcement outcomes, and practical action steps to protect pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.

How to report a pothole or footpath defect

Use the City of Perth online report form for defects on local streets and footpaths; include a precise location, photos and any immediate hazards. For state roads or highways within the metropolitan area contact Main Roads WA or use their reporting tools if the defect is on a declared state road. See the City of Perth online reporting page for the City’s fault-report pathway[1].

  • Provide the exact address or intersection and nearest landmark.
  • Attach clear photos showing the defect and any scale (e.g., tape, shoe) if safe to do so.
  • Note when the damage was first observed and whether it is getting worse.
  • If the defect is an immediate danger, phone the City of Perth customer service or emergency contacts (use the online form for non-urgent reports).
Report early to reduce risk of injury and vehicle damage.

Penalties & Enforcement

Responsibility for inspection and repair depends on whether the asset is a local road/footpath (City of Perth responsibility) or a state road (Main Roads WA). The City investigates reported defects and schedules repairs or arranges temporary measures where required. Specific monetary fines and escalation amounts for failing to maintain or for causing damage to a public road or footpath are not specified on the City of Perth reporting page cited here[1].

  • Enforcer: City of Perth infrastructure or by-law enforcement teams for local assets; Main Roads WA for declared state roads.
  • Fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation (first/repeat/continuing offences): not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: potential repair orders, cost recovery actions or court proceedings may be used where damage or hazard is caused by a third party; specific measures are not listed on the cited page.
  • Inspection & complaint pathway: lodge a report via the City’s online form; the City will triage, inspect and advise next steps.
  • Appeals/reviews: review or internal complaint procedures are managed by the City; time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited page.
If the damaged area poses immediate danger, take reasonable steps to warn others and contact emergency services if needed.

Applications & Forms

The City publishes an online fault-report form for roads and footpaths (no fee for reporting). Where work requires a permit or private repair, the City will advise any required applications. The City’s online report form is the primary submission method; fees and formal application names for repairs by third parties are not specified on the cited page[1].

Action steps after you report

  • Record the report reference number and the date/time you submitted it.
  • Follow up with the City if the hazard is not acknowledged within a reasonable timeframe.
  • If someone was injured or property was damaged, keep records and photos; the City may require this information for investigations.
Keep copies of correspondence and photos until the defect is resolved.

FAQ

Who is responsible for footpath repairs?
The City of Perth is typically responsible for local footpaths; state roads are the responsibility of Main Roads WA. For specific property boundary responsibilities consult the City.
How long does a repair take?
Repair times vary by severity and workload; the City triages hazards and schedules works. Exact response times are not specified on the City reporting page.
Can I claim vehicle damage from an unrepaired pothole?
Claims for vehicle damage are assessed case-by-case; the City’s process and any time limits are not specified on the cited page, so contact the City for guidance and keep evidence.

How-To

  1. Identify whether the defect is on a local road/footpath or a state road.
  2. Take clear photos and note exact location and severity.
  3. Submit an online report to the City of Perth with photos and details[1].
  4. Record the reference number and monitor progress; follow up if the risk persists.
  5. If you suffered damage or injury, preserve evidence and request the City’s incident or claims process details.

Key Takeaways

  • Report defects promptly with clear location and photos to speed inspection and repair.
  • The City of Perth handles local assets; Main Roads WA handles declared state roads.
  • Keep records, report references and evidence if there is injury or property damage.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Perth - Report a problem (roads and footpaths)

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