RESIDENTS and road users have more options when reporting road defects following a major update by Essex Highways.

The update comes as users will no longer be able to raise issues via third-party sites, such as Fix My Street, from 1 January 2025 due to the lack of detail they provide inspectors.

The ‘Report It’ webpage by Essex Highways has been tailored to capture all necessary information. This now includes different types of emergencies and if issues have worsened over time.

The ‘Track It‘ webpage lets users see the progress of reports, from inspection to repair, and whether similar issues have already been raised.

Issues logged through third-party platforms are often duplicates of reports already received via Report It, or unrelated to the roads managed by Essex Highways.

By moving exclusively to Report It, Essex Highways can ensure the 50,000 reports received annually are managed in one place, resulting in a faster and more transparent process.  

Councillor Tom Cunningham, Cabinet Member for Highways, Infrastructure and Sustainable Transport at Essex County Council, said: “We are committed to streamlined and efficient services throughout the council to provide value for residents, and our highways are no exception.

“By using Report It, residents can be confident their concerns are handled directly and that they will receive updates along the way.”