Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 2
2
Accepted
Require the Department to obtain comprehensive data for understanding local road network condition.
Conclusion
The Department has insufficient knowledge of the condition of local roads. Industry estimates show that the condition of local roads across England is getting worse, which is also reflected in falling public satisfaction and higher levels of pothole related incidents. However, while the Department’s own data shows the condition of local roads has remained relatively stable, it accepts that this may not reflect people’s experiences. DfT acknowledges that its data in some areas is poor and that it does not fully understand the condition of local roads in England. It is therefore implementing new data standards — PAS 2161 — with the aim of improving the quality and granularity of the data that it gathers from local authorities, although this will not be mandatory until April 2026. In addition, the Department will still not collect information on the condition of other parts of the road, including walkways, cycle paths and bridges from local authorities. The Department says that it does not ask local authorities for 4 further information as it is trying to strike the balance between asking for enough information and not creating a large burden of work for each local authority. We are unconvinced that DfT has fully considered what additional burdens would be created in practice, as much of this data may already be collected by local authorities. recommendation The Department should make the case, with the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government, for obtaining the data it needs to gain a greater understanding of the condition of the local road network.
Government Response Summary
The government agrees to engage with MHCLG to obtain necessary data, noting it has already begun engagement to make new PAS 2161 reporting requirements mandatory in England's single data list.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. understanding of the condition of the local highway network, and how this maps onto the structures that are being set up to allow further devolution. As this work progresses the department will, as is usual, engage with the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local government to make the case for obtaining this data. An example of this is that the department collaborated with local government to change the annual road condition reporting requirements, producing the new British Standard for Road Condition Monitoring (PAS 2161). The department has now begun engagement with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to change the single data list, to introduce the new reporting requirements against PAS 2161 as a mandatory requirement in England. Another example of this is that the department is exploring how the aforementioned outcomes frameworks underpinning the integrated settlement can leverage greater data- sharing (as part of six-monthly reporting) between Mayoral Combined Authorities and the department on top of indicators with attached targets.