It is a requirement for local authorities in England to report road condition assessments on their local classified road networks (A, B and C class).
Due to the large proportion of Devon’s network being unclassified (52%), the Council has always taken the approach collecting and reporting condition on all classes of its network. To do this, the Council employ an external organisation to use Surface Condition Assessment for the National Network of Roads (SCANNER) laser-based technology.
A number of parameters measured in these surveys are used to produce a road condition indicator which is categorised into three condition categories:
- Green – no further investigation or treatment required.
- Amber – maintenance may be required soon.
- Red – should be considered for maintenance.
From 2026/27 a new methodology will be used based on the BSI PAS2161 standard. Local highway authorities will be required to use a supplier that has been accredited against PAS2161. This new standard will categorise roads into five categories instead of three to help government gain a more detailed understanding of road condition in England.
Further details are available in the Road condition monitoring standard PAS 2161 guidance.
Percentage of A roads in each condition category
| Year | Red | Amber | Green |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 3% | 30% | 67% |
| 2021 | 2% | 27% | 71% |
| 2022 | 2% | 27% | 71% |
| 2023 | 2% | 27% | 71% |
| 2024 | 3% | 27% | 70% |
*Condition data is collected by lane length over a two-year period (one direction per year)
Percentage of B and C roads in each condition category
| Year | Red | Amber | Green |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 14% | 36% | 50% |
| 2021 | 14% | 37% | 49% |
| 2022 | 9% | 36% | 55% |
| 2023 | 10% | 36% | 54% |
| 2024 | 10% | 36% | 54% |
* Condition data for B class is collected by lane length over a two-year period (one direction per year)
* Condition data for C class is collected by lane length over a four-year period (half one direction each year)
| Year | Percentage of U roads in the Red category |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 18% |
| 2021 | 16% |
| 2022 | 20% |
| 2023 | 23% |
| 2024 | 25% |
* Condition data for U Class is collected by lane length over a four-year period (50% one direction per year)
Condition of unclassified roads
Maintenance budgets provide insufficient funding to meet the annual cost of deterioration and consequently the condition of certain elements of the highway asset will get worse. Appropriate funding levels are allocated to the more strategic network to try to maintain their current conditions levels, while managing a decline in the more minor network. This is illustrated in the gradual decline in the Council’s U road network over the last five years.
Additional information on condition
The statistical measure of road condition using SCANNER is designed for road maintenance purposes however may not fully align with the user perception of road condition. Whilst road condition surveys are a tool to identify road sections that require maintenance treatments, the maintenance of roads is not solely determined by the result of these surveys. Other factors, based on local needs and priorities, will determine where maintenance is carried out to ensure the safety and longevity of the entire road network through a risk-based, asset management approach.
Technology and innovation in the highway sector is moving at pace. One area that appears to be moving more swiftly than some is within digital technologies. Amongst other items this includes the introduction and development of AI (Artificial Intelligence) systems to provide a variety of services for highway authorities, which includes condition surveys.
Changes in road condition reporting standards by the DfT, as highlighted above are also driving development in the market, leading to a greater choice and opportunities for maximising efficiency and accuracy in service delivery.
To ensure appropriate governance was afforded to this area, the authority has established a Digital Innovation Assessment Group (DIAG) which meets monthly. The main function of this group is to provide centralised analysis and assessment of technology across the sector and direct any trials that may be offered, and act as a knowledge base for any incoming enquiries.