Over the past six months, a quiet revolution has been taking place on the UK’s roads. Amid budget constraints, ageing assets, and growing public scrutiny, councils and local authorities are turning to a powerful new combination to tackle these issues which are mounting: artificial intelligence and collaboration. At Route Reports, we’re proud to be at the forefront of this technological transformation, partnering with more councils than ever before to deliver data-driven, AI-powered road monitoring solutions.
So, what exactly has changed?
Here we take a look at what’s changed in the last six months and how it’s accelerating the adoption of new technology, shifting mindsets, and making change not just necessary, but urgent.
The Demand for Smarter Infrastructure is Rising
The Asphalt Industry Alliance’s 2024 ALARM survey warns of a £17 billion backlog in local road repairs across the UK; clear evidence that traditional maintenance methods are no longer enough. As a result government and industry are increasingly turning to AI and data-driven solutions to tackle the UK’s chronic road maintenance backlog. The message is clear: smarter infrastructure starts with smarter data.
In response, the government’s AI Action Plan (2025) explicitly calls out AI as a critical tool in public services, with pothole detection named as a top priority. During the development of this plan, which is now being rolled out, Rishi Sunak noted AI’s role in helping to “spot potholes more quickly” and free up frontline staff.
As many will already know, the Department for Transport has introduced PAS 2161:2024 as a data standard to ensure high-quality, comparable road condition data nationwide. PAS 2161 “will transform the use of data in highway maintenance” by enabling innovative monitoring methods while ensuring consistent reporting across England.
Even National Highways’ “Digital Roads” initiative pledges to harness data and connectivity to create “safer journeys, faster delivery” on the strategic network.
These developments signal a growing appetite for AI and digital tools in infrastructure management as councils struggle with limited budgets and ageing assets.
It is therefore no surprise that these trends are driving pilots and tech adoption. The Local Government Association notes many councils are piloting AI/camera systems to survey roads, and UK innovation hubs (e.g. TransportXtra’s AI readiness surveys) confirm transport agencies are planning data-led upgrades. Although adoption lags in some quarters, the fundamentals are in place: councils have vast digital asset inventories and are under pressure to move from reactive fixes to proactive maintenance.
Accurate Data Is Now Essential for Road Maintenance
Councils across the UK are recognising a simple truth: smart decisions rely on smart data. That’s why the new PAS 2161:2024 standard is such a game changer. Developed to promote national consistency, it sets the benchmark for high quality, objective road condition data, unlocking innovation while helping local authorities tackle the pressures of an ageing road network.
It's clear in the early part of this year that we're now entering a new era of data-driven maintenance, where AI and digital tools replace and complement outdated inspection routines that can’t keep up. As Highways Today puts it, roads are becoming “data-rich environments” where they effectively “talk” through sensors, cameras and analytics. AI-powered platforms like Route Reports transform this data into real-time insights, enabling councils to:
- Prioritise repairs based on actual need, not guesswork
- Monitor and map defect hotspots before they escalate
- Move from reactive to proactive maintenance strategies
Across the UK, examples are already in motion including Surrey County Council who has equipped patrol vehicles with AI-enabled dashcams that automatically detect and log potholes. Soon, they’ll expand to monitor signage and overgrowth.
These innovations all funnel into asset management platforms and WMS or GIS dashboards, giving highways teams the power to track trends, compare routes, and focus resources where they’ll have the biggest impact.
Ultimately, accurate condition data, now a requirement under PAS 2161 - is the raw material AI needs to deliver smoother journeys, safer roads, and more resilient infrastructure.
Collaboration is the Key to Progress
Technology alone doesn’t solve problems - people do. Successful pilots illustrate that collaboration between technology firms and local authorities is crucial. Tech suppliers gain real-world insight by working side-by-side with highway teams, while councils guide development to fit local needs . This whole process, when collaborative, creates the very best outcomes for all and in turn encourages early adoption.
Route Reports is built on collaboration, working hand-in-hand with councils and contractors to adapt our systems to real-world needs. Recent examples include:
- Surrey County Council, the first UK authority to fully replace manual inspections with AI-powered video analytics. Councillor Matt Furniss reports that AI helps "proactively log and fix potholes," improving safety and reducing manual workloads.
- Government of Jersey, where Route Reports enables virtual inspections, letting engineers "visit" any road remotely and action repairs faster. Senior engineer Duncan Johnston praised the tool as a "real hands-on tool for day-to-day work."
These projects highlight the power of partnerships to deliver real change. Councils guide product development, and technology providers like Route Reports refine tools based on live feedback. It's a win-win.
AI Adoption Is Accelerating But Support Still Matters
In just the last six months, AI adoption across UK councils has surged. According to County Councils Network, 85% of county and unitary councils are already using AI, with over half applying it to infrastructure and road maintenance. The Local Government Association adds that 91% of councils are either deploying or exploring AI solutions - a remarkable shift in a short period.
But enthusiasm alone isn’t enough. Councils still face real barriers:
- 71% cite lack of funding
- 93% highlight staffing and training gaps
- Many struggle with poor data quality and legacy systems
This is where Route Reports steps in. We don’t just offer cutting-edge AI tools, we offer real partnership and collaboration. Our platform is designed to:
- Slot into existing workflows with minimal disruption
- Generate high-quality, PAS 2161-compliant data automatically
- Support teams with onboarding, training, and ongoing insight
We’ve seen firsthand how targeted support along with the right tech leads to safer roads, smarter use of budgets, and less pressure on overstretched teams. In a fast-moving AI landscape, Route Reports helps local authorities stay ahead, with confidence.
Inspiration from Other Sectors
But roads aren't the only transport systems undergoing a tech-driven transformation.
- Rail:
Network Rail uses an AI-enhanced “Seasonal Intelligence Platform” to monitor railhead conditions and adhesion (“leaves on the line”) in real time. Sensors on railhead treatment trains report how much each track section has been treated, enabling instant detection of untreated stretches. This data lets Network Rail rapidly retread problem areas and reduce delays and safety risks during autumn leaf fall.
- Aviation:
Glasgow Airport’s Living Lab is piloting automated AI-based inspection of runway and taxiway pavements. Emerging projects aim to equip airside vehicles or drones with cameras to scan runway surfaces for cracks, foreign objects, or rubber buildup. In parallel, the Civil Aviation Authority has introduced new rules (AAE policy, Oct 2024) enabling drones to fly beyond visual line of sight for long-range infrastructure surveys. These innovations mean airports can collect rich condition data (akin to highways) to schedule repairs and maintenance more safely and efficiently.
The common theme is data-enabled monitoring: whether inspecting runways, rails, or roads, AI and sensor data turn routine surveillance into a continuous, automated process. Councils can draw confidence this progress that shows what’s possible: predictive maintenance, safer working conditions, and better use of budgets.
A Shared Vision for the Future
All signs point toward a more connected, data-driven road maintenance model and the benefits are clear. From the Digital Roads Strategy to the national rollout of PAS:2161, the UK is aligning policy, funding, and technology in support of smarter road care.
- Improved road safety
- Faster issue resolution
- Reduced costs and carbon footprint
- Safer working conditions for inspectors
As one industry report notes, data-led maintenance means "smoother journeys, safer roads, and more resilient infrastructure.”
UK road maintenance is entering a new era of AI-enhanced, data-driven management. Recent pilots illustrate that councils partnering with tech firms can safely and efficiently survey their networks, moving from inspection by foot to continuous automated monitoring. Official strategies and emerging standards are aligning to support this shift, and it’s no surprise. While funding and skills remain challenges, the early outcomes (safer work for inspectors, faster pothole fixes, and better-informed resurfacing) point to a strong business case.
Councils and contractors interested in improving resilience and safety should monitor these developments and consider participating in trials. With AI and collaboration, local roads can become more predictable assets rather than a chronic liability, mirroring the smart maintenance trends already seen in rail and aviation.
At Route Reports, we’re genuinely excited about what’s ahead. The shift toward AI-enhanced infrastructure isn’t just about potholes. It’s about rethinking how we care for public assets, use limited budgets, and make our communities safer for everyone.
If you’re curious about how smarter road monitoring could help your council or contract area, we’d love to show you more. Contact us today to book a demo.
