A Modern Approach to Highway Maintenance
The establishment of an effective regime of safety inspections is a crucial component of road maintenance. To unify and enhance this process, the Society of Chief Officers of Transportation in Scotland (SCOTS) has developed a comprehensive methodology. The SCOTS Road Asset Safety Inspection Strategy provides a template for Scottish roads authorities to consider adopting, aiming to harmonise inspection procedures across the country.
This strategy aligns with the national code of practice, “Well-Managed Highway Infrastructure: A Code of Practice” (October 2016), which mandates a risk-based approach to all aspects of road maintenance. At WeStruct, we understand that whether we are designing new civil infrastructure or advising on structural asset management, adherence to rigorous, risk-assessed standards is paramount.
Moving Beyond Prescriptive Limits
Historically, road safety inspections relied heavily on prescriptive descriptions of defects. This meant categorising a defect based almost entirely on fixed, “worst case scenario” measurements, such as a 40mm depth for carriageways or a 25mm depth for footways.
The SCOTS Road Asset Safety Inspection Strategy marks a major shift away from this rigid model. Instead, it implements a robust risk assessment process where a defect is analysed within its specific context. By using a risk matrix tool, inspectors evaluate hazards based on their likelihood and the most probable consequence. This objectively categorises the risk and determines the required level of response. This contextual approach is also recommended by the Institute of Highway Engineers in their ‘Well Managed Highway Liability Risk’ guidance.
The 6-Step Risk-Based Methodology
To ensure a thorough and consistent application of the risk-based approach, the SCOTS documentation requires authorities to follow six key steps:
Step 1 – Define Hierarchy: Establishing a road hierarchy forms the foundation of a risk-based maintenance strategy. It is crucial for establishing service levels and properly managing the network.
Step 2 – Establish Routes and Frequencies: Authorities must clearly define the physical routes of inspection. Standard frequencies and modes of inspection are also established at this stage.
Step 3 – Inspection Methodology: This provides a clear methodology that inspectors can follow to assess defects. The goal is to determine the true level of risk and the resulting priority of response.
Step 4 – Establish Response Times: This step assigns an appropriate level of response, dictating both the response time and type, to each prioritised category of risk. For instance, a defect categorised as “Priority 2 (High Risk)” might require a repair within 5 working days.
Step 5 – Recording: This involves establishing strict procedures for documenting safety inspections. It also includes managing key personnel data, such as training and competency records for the inspectors.
Step 6 – Monitoring and Review: The strategy and its daily operation must be regularly monitored and reviewed to ensure ongoing effectiveness.
Legal Compliance and Inspector Competency
Under the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984, local roads authorities have a statutory duty to manage and maintain the public roads entered in their list. Implementing the Road Asset Safety Inspection Strategy is a vital tool for councils to demonstrate that these legal responsibilities are being fulfilled. Furthermore, applying this risk-based policy helps mitigate a council’s exposure to risk and provides a more robust defence against claims of loss.
Because the system relies on contextual judgment rather than fixed measurements, inspector competence is critical. All inspectors are required to attend accredited Risk Based Approach to Safety Inspection training. This essential training enables inspectors to be registered on the Institute of Highway Engineers “Highway Inspectors Register,” ensuring they operate to an acceptable standard.
A Sustainable Future for Civil Infrastructure
Adopting this strategy is not just about fulfilling legal obligations; it is about optimising resources and sustainability. By ensuring a more appropriate categorisation of defects based on actual risk to road users, the strategy improves overall efficiency and provides greater value for money. Crucially, it is likely to lead to a reduction in the number of temporary repairs required, which positively impacts long-term network conditions and reduces material waste.
At WeStruct, we recognize that thorough, data-driven inspection protocols are the bedrock of safe civil engineering. A proactive, risk-assessed methodology ensures that vital infrastructure remains reliable, efficient, and safe for the communities that depend upon it.