What is a Road Safety Audit?

A Road Safety Audit is an evaluation of a highway improvement scheme during design, at the end of construction and post-construction, to identify road safety problems and to suggest measures to eliminate or mitigate any concerns. Road safety audits are undertaken by staff with experience of collision data analysis, road safety engineering and an understanding of highway design principles such as design requirements and best practice.

All highway improvement schemes will normally require an independent Road Safety Audit, with the exception of ‘like for like’ maintenance schemes. Road Safety Audits aim to identify potential road safety hazards arising from planned changes to the road layout but they are not technical checks against design standards.

In carrying out Road Safety Audits, the Audit team should consider road safety issues for all road users and will ask two key questions of the scheme

  • Who could be hurt in a collision on this part of the road and how could that happen?
  • What can be done to reduce the potential for that collision or to limit its consequences?

Road Safety Audits

Safety Audits are conducted in accordance with GG119 (formerly HD19/15) of the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges Volume 5 Section 2.

Road Safety Audits go through four key phases and are as follows:-

Sometimes the Stage 1 and 2 Road Safety Audits can be combined; most often if the works are smaller in nature, or if the principle of the scheme has already been agreed (e.g. if planning permission has been granted without a Stage 1 Safety Audit) and the design is progressing straight to the detailed design stage.

Some highway improvement schemes may not require Stage 4 Road Safety Audits; and it is for the relevant authority to confirm if further collision monitoring/investigation is required.

The Road Safety Audit team members may be from the same organisation undertaking the Highway Improvement scheme design but must be independent of the scheme design/process.

Road Safety Audits may be undertaken on highway schemes covering:

  • Major and minor highway improvements
  • Traffic management and calming schemes
  • Pedestrian and cycling schemes
  • Roundabout junctions
  • New or amended traffic signal junctions
  • Priority junctions
  • Motorway improvements
  • Temporary Traffic Management in place for 6 months or more

Require Assistance with a Road Safety Audit?

Sanderson Associates have extensive experience in providing Road Safety Audits for a wide variety of major and minor highway improvement schemes throughout the whole of the UK and the Isle of Man.

Our Road Safety Auditors are trained to meet the qualification requirements set out in GG119 (formerly HD19/15) of the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges, which includes staff that hold the Highways England Approved Certificate of Competency. Therefore we able to carry out Road Safety Audits on the Trunk Road and Motorway Network as well as on the local highway network.

We would be pleased to provide you with our competitive fee proposal to provide you with our Road Safety Audit Services, please call us on 01924 844080 or click here to complete our secure online form.


What our Clients' say:

Access Feasibility Study, Proposed Private Residential Development – Testimonial

Mon 30 September 2019

I have recently worked on a project with Karen and Ashley at Sanderson’s and they were extremely helpful, professional and worked to my extremely tight deadline. I have no hesitation in recommending this company their attention to detail and professionalism was much appreciated. Rosie Marsh (Private Individual)

Analysis of Speed Survey and Swept Path Analysis

Tue 3 September 2019

Brett and the Sanderson’s team were invaluable to us in obtaining highways consent which in part cleared the way for our planning application to be approved. They provided a proactive professional and personable approach to satisfy and fulfil the Cambridgeshire highways requirements. We recommend them and will use them again. Daykin Waters Waters Developments

Stage 2 Road Safety Audit, Residential, Staffordshire

Tue 16 July 2019

Sanderson Associates were the successful bidder for carrying out a Stage 2 Road Safety Audit on behalf of TSP Projects. Their team were committed to the tight programme, and not only did they undertake the audit and agree terms and conditions in a short space of time they were receptive and flexible with planning the […]

Construction Traffic Management Plan

Mon 15 April 2019

Sanderson Associates have been very helpful for us and our clients. They proved efficiency and competitive pricing. Thank you for your services. Andreea Raicu, Architect, Tang & Associates Ltd

Flood Risk Assessment, Testimonial, Industrial Development, Sheffield

Tue 19 March 2019

Sanderson’s were a great in helping us with our planning application for a new material silo at our manufacturing base in Sheffield. Darren was efficient and swift in his discussions with the council on the need for a flood risk assessment on the site. Darren’s knowledge of the site and surrounding area and consequent discussions […]

Travel Plan

Wed 21 November 2018

We have worked with Ashley, found the service very professional, efficient and cost-effective. We received the surveys and reports on time and were kept fully appraised with everything, excellent service all round. Recommend using Sanderson again in the future. Thank you, Al Ihsan Trust

Access Appraisal in Support of the Reinstatement of Access to a Residential Dwelling

Tue 7 August 2018

Brett, I would just like to pass on my personal thanks for the assistance you offered us in our planning application to reinstate an unused driveway into our renovation property. From the initial contact with the office staff, through the quote and the carrying out of the road survey, drawings, and associated work through to […]

Highway Technical Letter in Support of Residential Development – Testimonial

Thu 25 January 2018

Excellent service, very professional and enabled a very positive response back to the Highways Agency with a site plan we were having difficulties with. I’d highly recommend Sanderson’s. Peter Wilson, Individual

Transport Statement and Access Advice, Residential Development Circa 60 Dwellings – Testimonial

Fri 5 May 2017

During the course of the compiling the report for submission to planning I found Adam Darwin’s attitude and approach was very professional and supportive. We had several issues to resolve and I found him to respond very quickly and produce revised drawing for discussion with an excellent turnaround time. His phone manner and advice were […]

Flood Risk Assessment, Data Centre, Keighley

Wed 8 March 2017

Good communication and persistence coupled with a high level of professional expertise, has enabled what looked initially to be an insurmountable objection to be overcome. J O Steel, J O Steel Consulting, Bingley

Road Safety Audit, Road Safety Problems, RSA Stage 1 Road Safety Audit, Stage 2 Road Safety Audit, Stage 3 Road Safety Audit Stage 4 Road Safety Audit, Non Motorised User Audit