How we check our roads are safe
We inspect our roads on a regular basis to make sure that there are no hazards and to
We do a variety of checks throughout the year, including safety and coarse visual inspections, footway network surveys, SCANNER surveys and skid resistance surveys.
Skid resistance
Skid resistance of the county roads is assessed using surveys.
Skid Resistance Strategy (PDF) [325KB]
Safety inspections
To make sure our roads are free from hazards, we do regular safety inspections, based on the road class, traffic use, characteristics of adjoining roads and local knowledge.
Category | General description | Frequency |
---|---|---|
2 | Non-motorway trunk and some principal A roads between primary destinations. | one month |
3a | Major urban network and inter-primary links. Short-medium distance traffic. | one month |
3b | Classified road (B and C class) and unclassified urban bus routes carrying local traffic with frontage access and frequent junctions. | one month |
4a | Roads linking between category 3a and 3b roads with frontage access and frequent junctions. | three months |
4b | Roads serving limited number of properties carrying only access traffic. | one year |
What happens next
If a danger is identified during inspection, is noted and repairs arranged. It may result in patching, surface treatment, resurfacing or even full reconstruction, if the problem is serious enough.
We must show that we are making the best use of our property and assets and have an asset management plan for transport-related assets. The processes in the asset management plan are explained in our maintenance plan.
Road traffic data
We collect and hold a range of road traffic and accident data. We use this data to inform transport and impact assessments, planning, engineering and road safety proposals. This data includes accidents (personal injury) and traffic survey data.
The data is available on request, but there is a charge. Contact Traffic data for more information.
Automatic traffic counter data (traffic volume, classification and speed)
- One to two weeks of data - £210 per site
- Three to 12 weeks of data - £330 per site
- 13 to 52 weeks of data - £410 per site
Traffic survey requests
To carry out traffic survey (volume, classification, speed) using automatic traffic count equipment.
- one week - £500 per site
- two weeks - £600 per site
Accident data
Such as for transport or traffic impact assessments.
- standing charge - £169.95
- charge per accident identified - £11.33
- commercial road safety audits:
- Stage 1 - £2000
- Stage 2 - £2000
- Stage 3 - £2500
Let us know if you see a problem
- Report a pothole or subsidence on a road or pavement
- Report damage to road markings
- Report flooding on a road or pathway
- Report a problem with a manhole or utility cover
- Report a problem with a barrier
- Report a problem with a council wall or fence
- Report a problem with a road sign
- Report a street lighting problem
- Request removal/pruning of a tree or hedge
- Email help@durham.gov.uk
- Telephone 03000 26 0000