26 September 2024 – A new standard, designed to improve how data on the condition of the UK’s road network is collected and reported, helping authorities to better manage the condition of roads and ultimately reduce any impact and disruption for drivers and passengers, has been published by BSI.
The specification, published by BSI in its capacity as National Standards Body, with sponsorship from the Department for Transport, aims to introduce a standardized way of capturing, categorising, classifying and reporting on Road Condition Monitoring (RCM) data by those undertaking RCM data collection, as part of the national reporting on road conditions.
Road condition monitoring (RCM) data – Specification (PAS 2161) aims to establish the approach for reporting road condition categories for network-level reporting, by specifying activities for the processing and validation of the road condition data that is collected, for data quality checks, and for the formatting of the data for national reporting. The PAS also touches on the use of technologies in delivering RCM data, to help ensure they are fit for the categories or road.
RCM data is fed into England’s local authorities and the DfT, as part of a national reporting requirement, to help with understanding and managing the condition of UK road networks and road assets. It can be used to report on overall conditions, as well as to identify any urgent issues with road surfaces that might need addressing. In some cases, if sufficiently detailed data is gathered, it can be applied to decide on the treatments required, such as patching, crack sealing, or even resurfacing.
The specification is relevant to all providers, procurers and users of RCM data collection technologies, RCM data management systems and RCM data, for example local authorities, Highway Authorities, highways and infrastructure asset management service management and suppliers, highways and pavement engineers, road condition monitoring and reporting software and services.
Nick Fleming, Director of Transport & Mobility, BSI said: “Robust data collection is at the foundation of effective monitoring and maintaining our road network. This new standard responds to the progress seen in terms of advances in new techniques and technologies to capture road condition data. It is designed to deliver greater consistency and confidence in road condition data collection, reporting and its application to help improve the overall condition of our road network and ultimately ensure drivers can use our roads with confidence.
A spokesperson for the Department for Transport said: “The Department of Transport has collaborated with the British Standards Institute, the Transport Research Laboratory, Local Highways Authorities and the road condition monitoring sector to introduce this new data standard for road condition. The standard will bring innovation to road condition monitoring while retaining quality, supporting Local Highway Authorities to optimise their maintenance of local roads, which are an essential national asset.”
For more information on PAS 2161, visit: Road condition monitoring (RCM) data – Specification (PAS 2161)
