In September 2024, the Department for Transport (DfT) introduced PAS 2161:2024, a new standard for road condition monitoring (RCM) data collection and reporting. This standard aims to modernise how local authorities assess and manage their road networks, ensuring data consistency and quality across England.
But what does “good enough” actually mean when it comes to data that meets PAS 2161 requirements?
As a leading provider of AI-powered infrastructure inspection technology, Route Reports is at the forefront of helping councils, local authorities and contractors navigate this significant change in how the sector will operate. Here we'll explain the essential attributes of PAS 2161 compliant RCM data, highlight common challenges to avoid, and demonstrate how emerging technologies can assist local authorities in transitioning from reactive to predictive maintenance strategies - all while aligning with the new PAS 2161 standard.
Whether you're just beginning to understand PAS 2161 or seeking to benchmark your current practices, this guide will provide valuable insights to support your journey toward compliance and improved infrastructure management.
What Does PAS 2161:2024 Mean for Local Authorities and Councils?
PAS 2161:2024, developed by the British Standards Institution (BSI) in collaboration with the DfT and other stakeholders, provides a flexible framework for collecting, processing, and reporting RCM data. Unlike previous methods, such as SCANNER, which mandated specific technologies, PAS 2161 allows local authorities to choose from a range of compliant technologies, including AI-driven solutions. In 2025, it is expected to become a mandatory standard all local authorities must adhere to.
To find out more read our previous article “Understanding PAS 2161:2024 - Road Condition Monitoring Data Specification”
Key Attributes of Compliant RCM Data
To meet PAS 2161 standards, road condition monitoring data should possess the following characteristics:
1. Objective and Consistent
Data should be collected using standardised methods that minimise human bias, ensuring consistency across different regions and over time.
2. Visual Evidence
Data should incorporate timestamped imagery or video to ensure the transparency and verifiability of the data. Why? This will aid accurate assessments and audits.
3. Repeatable Measurements
The ability to conduct consistent measurements over time allows for the tracking of road condition changes, which in turn facilitates proactive maintenance planning.
4. Frequent Data Collection
Regular data collection, ideally monthly or more frequently, will ensure that road conditions are monitored effectively, enabling timely interventions.
5. Traffic-Speed Surveys
Conducting surveys at traffic speed minimises disruptions and enhances safety, making the data collection process more efficient
For a more detailed overview, refer to this comprehensive breakdown published by Highways Today
Common Challenges in Achieving PAS 2161 Compliance
Adopting PAS 2161:2024 represents a significant change for many local authorities and highway maintenance contractors, not just in terms of the data being collected, but in how it’s collected, processed, and reported. While the standard introduces much-needed consistency and objectivity to road condition monitoring, the path to full compliance is not without its challenges.
For many councils, legacy systems, budget limitations, and operational constraints can create friction when moving towards a PAS:2161 compliant workflow. Understanding these roadblocks is the first step in overcoming them and unlocking the full potential of modern, AI-powered infrastructure monitoring which will become the norm.
Some of the most common issues we see across the sector:
Inconsistent Data Collection
- Without regular and reliable survey intervals (e.g. monthly or better), it's difficult to maintain a clear picture of road condition trends. Inconsistencies can lead to poor decision-making and an inability to evidence change over time.
Subjective Assessments
- Manual inspections, although familiar, can introduce human bias and variation. Subjective interpretations make it harder to compare data across time periods or between regions, a challenge that PAS 2161 seeks to eliminate with high quality, timely data capture.
Lack of Visual Documentation
- When condition assessments aren't supported by time-stamped visual records (e.g. video or imagery), auditability can be challenging and difficult to achieve. It becomes harder to justify maintenance decisions or demonstrate deterioration for funding purposes without clear time-stamped data to refer back to.
Infrequent Surveys
- Annual or infrequent condition surveys may miss the early signs of surface decline. This not only impacts safety but also makes it harder to adopt a proactive or predictive approach to maintenance planning; one of the key aims of the introduction of the standard given the ageing road network in the UK.
Disruptive Survey Methods
- Traditional survey techniques (like those requiring lane closures or slow-moving vehicles) can cause significant disruption to traffic flow, an issue that AI-driven, traffic-speed inspections can now eliminate entirely.
At Route Reports, we work with local authorities to modernise inspection processes by replacing outdated methods with automated, camera-based surveys that deliver frequent, objective, and fully auditable data aligned with PAS 2161 from day one.
Steps for Local Authorities to Take
To align with PAS 2161, local authorities and councils should:
- Evaluate Current Practices: Assess existing data collection methods for consistency and compliance.
- Adopt Compliant Technologies: Implement tools that meet PAS 2161 standards as set out.
- Train Personnel: Ensure staff are trained in new technologies and data interpretation and adopt a positive attitude to change. While change can be unnerving, this new standard will be a mandatory requirement so getting on board with the technology available early, will always reap benefits in the long term. By becoming familiar with AI-driven solutions ahead of the standard becoming law, when it is fully implemented, the capabilities of teams having to use this technology will increase, and with this so will confidence.
- Establish Regular Survey Schedules: Implement frequent data collection to maintain up-to-date records.
- Engage Stakeholders: Collaborate with technology providers and other authorities to share best practices and work on solutions that are fit for purpose for a specific setting and operation.
In Summary
PAS 2161:2024 represents a significant step forward in standardising road condition monitoring across the UK and is welcomed by many; but, it is not fully rolled out yet so it’s a time of trials, testing, and onboarding. By embracing AI-powered technologies and adhering to the outlined data requirements, local authorities can enhance the accuracy and efficiency of their road maintenance strategies, ultimately leading to safer and more reliable road networks.
How Route Reports Supports PAS 2161 Compliance
At Route Reports, we’re proud to partner with both existing clients and new authorities to help overcome the operational and technical challenges that PAS 2161 presents. Our advanced inspection solutions are built with compliance, efficiency, and future-readiness at their core enabling councils and contractors to modernise their approach without disrupting day-to-day operations.
Here’s how we support our clients in meeting the new standard:
- Automated Data Collection
Our AI-powered, vehicle-mounted systems continuously capture road condition data reducing reliance on manual surveys and improving objectivity. - High-Frequency Surveys
We enable regular, scheduled assessments to ensure condition data is always current and decision-ready 24/7, 365 days a year. - Visual Documentation
Live, time-stamped imagery and video provide a clear visual audit trail, supporting transparency and evidence-based reporting. - Traffic-Speed Operations
Our technology captures data safely at normal traffic speeds, eliminating the need for road closures or lane restrictions. - Standardised Reporting
All outputs are structured to align with PAS 2161:2024 requirements, making compliance straightforward and future audits easier to navigate. - Tailored Onboarding Process
Route Reports’ onboarding process is thorough, collaborative, and uniquely designed for each council or local authority. The process and our expert team make sure that Route Reports integrates seamlessly into day-to-day operations and meets any specific network and resource needs.
Get In Touch
Whether you're just beginning to assess your readiness for PAS 2161 or looking to improve your existing ways of working, Route Reports offers a proven pathway to compliance with the added benefits of efficiency, safety, and smarter long-term planning.
Contact us today to discuss further or arrange a demo.
Andy Donaghue, BDM, Road and Rail Network, Infrastructure Monitoring
Mobile: +44 (0)7852 521 950 or email us at contact@routereports.com
Further information:
--> For more information on PAS 2161:2024, visit the BSI Knowledge Centre
--> Preparing for the DfT’s 2025 Roll Out of PAS 2161: A Guide for Councils
