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.
