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In October 2010, the Institute of Highway Engineers presented a paper to the UK Roads Board proposing a formal registration and training scheme for highway inspectors. Following approval and adoption by the UK Roads Board in November 2011, the Institute formed the Highway Inspectors Board to administer the UK Highway Inspectors Training and Certification Scheme. Over the years, these standards have been incorporated in Well-maintained Highways, Appendix C on risk and liability claims and most recently Well-managed Highway Infrastructure and Well Managed Highway Liability Risk, July 2019.

The Board comprises IHE members from local highway authorities and highway consultants and sets the strategic direction for the development of the Highway Inspection Training Scheme. Responsible for the national register of highway inspectors, the Board sets the national standards for inspector training and assessment. All training providers delivering these courses are approved and certified, with audits undertaken to give assurances these standards are being maintained.

The Board is currently working through the existing guidance notes on course content, with a focus on the impact of innovation. With more and more authorities using forms of artificial intelligence (AI), cameras and drones to assist with highway inspections and surveys, it is important that training reflects this technology. A review of Well Managed Highway Liability Risk is also underway to ensure this guidance reflects best practice and can support local authorities in making key policy decisions relating to safety inspections in an ever-challenging environment.

Andy Cole, current chair of the Highway Inspectors Board, commented: ‘Highway safety inspections are a statutory duty for highway authorities and provide an important function in keeping the country’s roads safe.

‘Successful highway liability claims can be both expensive and reputationally damaging.

‘Ensuring your inspectors are suitably qualified, competent and registered is not only fundamental to a solid defence under Section 41 claims, it also strengthens Section 58 defences. As a chartered engineer who has provided witness evidence in civil claims for Devon County Council, I have found the use of qualified, registered inspectors and managers has undoubtedly strengthened our case and assisted our legal teams in delivering positive outcomes.’

If you would like to learn more about highway inspector registration and training, please go to www.theihe.org/registers/highway-inspectors-register or email highwayinspectors@theihe.org.