Highway safety inspection policy

Last updated: 7 June 2024

Appendix A - minimum recording levels

The table below sets out the Minimum Recording Levels for consideration by the inspector when identifying a defect. Defects which do not satisfy these criteria will not generally be recorded on a safety inspection unless the inspector deems it necessary to do so.

Minimum Recording Levels are provided as a guide only. Should the inspector, following risk assessment, deem it necessary to record any specific defect at a lower level, then they should do so.

Minimum recording levels have been developed over time having withstood challenge in the courts and so are deemed appropriate as evidenced by case law.

Highway asset

Carriageways

Defect description Minimum recording level

Potholes and spalling

40mm or over depth and 300mm across in any direction)

Gaps and cracks

40mm or over depth, 20mm or over width

Crowning and depressions

50mm or over height/depth

Any other abrupt level difference in running surface (including ironwork)

40mm or over height/depth

Dislodged kerbs (no footway)

50mm or over horizontal displacement

Pedestrian crossing and other road markings significantly worn or faded

Markings worn out by 30% or more over the entire feature

Rocking slab or block

40mm or above vertical movement

Gaps within ironwork framework other than designed by manufacturer

25mm or over width

Cycle lanes (where on carriageway and specifically marked)

Defect description Minimum recording level

Potholes and spalling

20mm or over depth (300mm across in any direction)

Gaps and cracks

20mm or over depth, 20mm or over width

Crowning and depressions

50mm or over height/depth

Any other abrupt level difference in running surface (including ironwork)

20mm or over height/depth

Dislodged kerbs (no footway)

50mm or over horizontal displacement

Pedestrian crossing and other road markings significantly worn or faded

Markings worn out by 30% or more over the entire feature

Rocking slab or block

20mm or above vertical movement

Gaps within ironwork framework other than designed by manufacturer

25mm or over width

Footways, cycle tracks and cycle trails

Defect description Minimum recording level

Potholes and spalling

20mm or over depth

Gaps and cracks

20mm or over depth, 20mm or over width

Crowning and depressions

20mm or over height/depth

Any other abrupt level difference in running surface (including ironwork)

20mm or over height/depth

Dislodged kerbs

50mm or over horizontal displacement

Road markings worn or faded

Markings worn out by 30% or more over the entire feature

Rocking slab or block

20mm or above vertical movement

Gaps within ironwork framework other than designed by manufacturer

25mm or over width

Edges

Defect description Minimum recording level

Sunken area adjacent to and parallel with carriageway or footway edge

75mm or over (urban areas) 150mm or over (rural areas)

Drainage

Defect description Minimum recording level

Blocked gulley

Clearly blocked gulley with detritus to the surface or presence of grass or weeds

Standing water 2 or more hours after cessation of rainfall

Minimum of 1.5m from edge of carriageway

Overgrowth

Defect description Minimum recording level

Overhanging trees or hedges leading to loss of height clearance over the carriageway, footway or cycleway.

<2.3m over footways

<2.4m over cycleways

<5.2m over carriageways

Encroachment onto road or footpath

Leaves insufficient width for safe passage

Trees

Visibly dangerous damaged trees over or adjacent to the carriageway or footway or with the potential to cause harm

Road signs

Defect description Minimum recording level

Regulatory road signs
(including illuminated signs and bollards)

Missing, illegible or significantly obscured

Graffiti

Defect description Minimum recording level

Offensive graffiti

Where clearly visible from the highway and on highway asset

Safety fencing, parapets and guardrails

Defect description Minimum recording level

Damage and missing

Missing vehicle restraint systems posts or rails, missing or significantly damaged pedestrian guard rails

Boundary walls and fences

Defect description Minimum recording level

Damaged or missing

In a dangerous condition

Traffic signals and other ITS equipment

Defect description Minimum recording level

Damaged

Lights not working or functioning correctly. Exposed electricity supply or in a dangerous structural condition or impinging on the carriageway

Street lights

Defect description Minimum recording level

Damaged

Exposed electricity supply or in a dangerous structural condition or impinging on the carriageway