Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 13
13
Accepted
New data standard PAS 2161 aims to improve local road condition reporting quality.
Conclusion
The Department told us that it is looking to improve the quality of its data through the introduction of a new data standard — PAS 2161 — for local authorities to use in reporting the condition of local roads. The Department considers that the new standard will improve the granularity and robustness of data collected, with five categories now used to rate the condition of local roads rather than three, and the option for local authorities to use a wider variety of new technologies to gather consistent data. The Department currently requires local authorities to collect data using just one method, based on technology from the 1980s.23
Government Response Summary
The government agrees with the committee's observation and is considering additional data collection, engaging to introduce PAS 2161 as a mandatory reporting requirement, and exploring how outcome frameworks can leverage greater data sharing.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
2.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: Autumn 2025 2.2 The department is considering what additional data it needs to collect to gain a greater 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. 2.3 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. 2.4 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.