Highways code of practice could take hybrid approach to risk

The next code of practice (CoP) for highways maintenance is set to establish a hybrid framework around the current risk-based approach.

The news comes from a recent briefing on the plans to update the code from the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT). The CIHT helps administer the UK Roads Leadership Group, which will help oversee the development of the new guidance.

The CIHT briefing said that the ‘direction of travel’ will be to maintain the existing risk-based approach ‘while considering hybrid models with minimum standards’.

The current code of practice, Well-Managed Highway Infrastructure, was first published in 2016 and established the risk-based approach, which gave councils more power to prioritise repairs and asset management instead of meeting set standards.

CIHT added: ‘The updated CoP will include technical updates to both its content and structure, and include new areas such as carbon management. There are also plans to create executive summaries and training materials, as well as launch a searchable digital platform.’

A content review of the existing code also highlighted the need to address technological, environmental and social challenges with new guidance on artificial intelligence, carbon, climate adaptation and inclusion.

Sources close to the process said that a working group would be established in due course but the ULRLG was still in the scoping phase.