Wirral commission an independent consultant to carry out a driven inspection to survey Wirral’s roads and footways. This survey produces 360-degree high-definition carriageway imagery that is used to determine the road condition and assist with producing future programmes of surfacing work.
A number of parameters measured in these surveys are used to produce a road condition indicator which is categorised into 3 condition categories:
- green – no further investigation or treatment required
- amber – maintenance may be required soon
- red – should be considered for maintenance, treatment may or may not be required, but the road should be investigated fully.
Wirral assess the road and pavement condition data in four road categories (excluding motorways). The road classification is the following:
- A roads (major roads, large-scale transport links within or between areas),
- B roads (roads to feed traffic between A roads and smaller roads on the network),
- C roads (roads intended to connect together unclassified roads with A and B roads),
- Unclassified (local roads intended for local traffic).
From 2026 to 2027 a new methodology will be used based on the BSI PAS2161 standard. Local Highway Authorities will be required to use a supplier that has been accredited against PAS2161. This new standard will categorise roads into 5 categories instead of 3 to help government gain a more detailed understanding of road condition in England.
Additional information on condition
The quality and accuracy of data is important, as it makes us aware of resident needs and helps shape the council’s priorities of work. Wirral commissions a specialist service provider to conduct these surveys as the vehicle driven surveys are conducted with high resolution cameras to help get the most helpful data about our roads.
There are multiple benefits to using image-based condition surveys as opposed to other alternatives. These include:
- more detailed data and accurate data into the exact condition of the road or pavement
- lifecycle modelling which can map the condition now, and what it might be like in years to come
- better evidence about the condition of the road or pavement to apply for funding