The completed update to the Well-Managed Highways Infrastructure Code of Practice has been published by the Department for Transport (DfT) and the UK Roads Leadership Group (UKRLG).
The UKRLG has also launched a new site hosting the code of practice, which provides access to the full document alongside interactive models and quick guides that ‘provide concise, non-technical summaries' of the key topics within the code.
The foreword to the code says that the new update builds on the ‘strong foundation' provided by the 2016 code, ‘reflecting changes in policy, technology, infrastructure, climate and public expectations, as well as the experience, learning and best practice from the sector over the past decade'.
It also highlights a strengthened focus on ‘resilience, climate adaptation, carbon, sustainability, accessibility and emerging technologies'.
The code of practice is not statutory but provides authorities with guidance on highways management, including 40 recommendations, which range from advising authorities to assess their policies, processes and delivery arrangements to help engaging with suppliers and delivery partners'.
The UKRLG noted that the code ‘remains guidance rather than a prescriptive set of standards', adding that ‘its value lies in supporting informed professional judgement and encouraging authorities to manage their networks in a way that is appropriate to their local circumstances and the needs of all users'.
David Denner, highways technology manager for the Welsh Government, said: ‘The updated guidance reflects the challenges facing our sector today, with greater emphasis on:
1) Safety and risk based decision making putting road users first.
2) Asset management making informed decisions across the whole lifecycle of highway infrastructure.
3) Sustainability and resilience planning for climate change, carbon reduction and future demands.
4) Technology and innovation making better use of data and digital tools to support smarter decisions.
5) Leadership and collaboration working across authorities and the supply chain to deliver better outcomes.
'For me, the real opportunity is turning guidance into practical action: using better data, engineering expertise and innovation to target investment where it delivers the greatest benefit for road users and the long-term condition of our networks.
'Across the UK, and particularly as we work together across the devolved administrations, sharing knowledge and good practice will be essential to building safer, more resilient and sustainable highways. The challenge now is to turn good practice into measurable improvements on the ground.'
