The Department for Transport (DfT) has officially released the latest road condition standard – PAS 2161, which local authorities in England are now required to adopt. This comprehensive new standard has undergone a rigorous development process within the DfT, with significant input from the Local Council Roads Innovation Group (LCRIG) and our members. Full details of PAS2161 from BSI can be found here.
LCRIG played a key role in helping to shape PAS 2161. Notably, our Chief Executive, Paula Claytonsmith previously served as an expert witness during the Local Roads and Funding Transport Committee Inquiry in 2018 and 2019, with further recognition and thanks for Paula and female witnesses in the House of Lords. One of the inquiry’s key recommendations was a reform in how local councils assess road condition data across England. In response to this recommendation, the DfT initiated an extensive review, led by its Statistics Team.
In 2024, the DfT through BSI, its technical partner, established a steering group to guide the development of PAS 2161. The group was chaired by BSI with Dr Alex Wright, formerly of TRL, who served as the technical author. The steering committee comprised representatives from local authorities, industry experts, survey technology providers, and our CEO, Paula. Their collaborative work ensured that the standard remains technology-agnostic while still providing the DfT with the necessary data for informed decision-making. In addition, the key aim was to try and develop a standard that could encompass newer forms of technology and council’s choice to use these.
Laura Murphy, Head of Road Network Statistics for road lengths and condition, has led the transition to the new standard. A familiar face at industry events such as the Innovation and Learning Festival and Strictly Highways, Laura has been instrumental in communicating the objectives and understanding local authority, industry and Government needs.
This year, the DfT will be participating in the Innovation and Learning Festival for the third year running, and for the first time, they’ll have a dedicated space to engage directly with local councils and industry stakeholders – a testament to the importance of this event.