Data reveals inspection shortcomings

Only 54% of planned crash barrier inspections were completed last year.

• A dip in response timeframes for addressing defects was noted.

• Public concern grows over the state of UK roads amid these findings.

• Questions arise regarding National Highways’ maintenance efficiency.

  
  

In the 2023/2024 fiscal year, an in-depth data analysis revealed that National Highways completed only 54% of its scheduled inspections of Vehicle Restraint Systems (VRS). These systems are designed to mitigate the impact of vehicular accidents, crucially minimising harm by absorbing crash forces. The analysis, based on five years of maintenance data, highlights that this completion rate is an outlier compared to previous years, where completion rates consistently surpassed 79%. In stark contrast, the 2022/23 fiscal year saw a completion rate of 91%, indicating an unexpected decline.

Furthermore, there has been a troubling downturn in the timeliness of responses to reported defects on the Strategic Road Network. Compliance with legally mandated response times is critical for ensuring road safety. In the past year, out of 25,965 reported defects requiring urgent attention, only 85% received a response within the obligatory 24-hour window. Specifically, landscape defects saw the lowest responsiveness, with only 79% rectified in due time.

Overall, an 87% response rate was achieved, marking a decline from the over 90% seen in previous years.

Industry experts, such as Steve Gooding from the RAC Foundation, express concern over these trends. Gooding emphasises the heightened public worry about the deteriorating condition of roads, stressing the necessity for prompt and thorough inspections and repairs. “All defects are a worry, but those on our higher-speed roads can pose a risk to our safety…” he stated, underlining the imperative of addressing these issues swiftly as traffic levels return to their pre-pandemic state.

National Highways disputes the findings, claiming their performance aligns with internal targets. A spokesperson asserted that they now rectify 94.7% of defects within 24 hours, surpassing their 90% target. Inspections, they claim, occur biennially, and outstanding tasks have been prioritised for the 2024/25 period.