TRL has today published its report on a Network Study relating to the preparation of PAS 2161 for Road Condition Monitoring (RCM) Data.

The study was designed to compare the data provided by RCM technologies with benchmark data provided by engineers’ surveys. The study was conducted on 100km of the Surrey County Council road network, and worked with representatives from DfT, multiple Local Authorities, RCM providers and UKPMS. Eight local authority engineers collected benchmark RCM condition category data using a dedicated App when driven slowly around the study network. 11 RCM providers organised practical demonstrations of the collection of RCM data on this network using a range of technologies, including mobile phone Apps, SCANNER, engineers’ inspections, crowdsourcing and dedicated vehicle technologies.

This practical network study provided valuable insight on the collection of RCM data. Early on, workshops led to agreement on a suitable approach to how RCM condition categories should be defined in the new PAS, and this has been reflected in the draft PAS 2161. The real world technology demonstrations are helping  stakeholders to understand the performance of current RCM measurement technologies, and the potential impact on the transition to a new regime for national condition reporting.

Although the results from this study have already been taken into account by the team drafting PAS 2161, the publication of the study is the first chance for stakeholders to understand the basis of some of the proposed requirements.  BSI currently has an open consultation for stakeholders to submit their views on the draft PAS 2161.