Hierarchy and frequency
In accordance with WMHI, each of the Authority’s adopted streets has been assigned an inspection frequency depending on a range of factors. This produces a hierarchy of inspections for carriageways, footways and cycleways. Table 1 details the hierarchy determining factors.
Table 1 – Factors Used to Determine the Inspection Hierarchy
|
FACTOR |
EXAMPLES OF ISSUES CONSIDERED |
|---|---|
| Road classification | Strategic routes, A, B, C, unclassified network, resilient network. The inspection frequency will depend on the strategic importance of the route |
| Traffic use | Traffic flow data, speed limits, HGV generators, seasonal events and may include bus routes. Higher trafficked streets will tend to receive a higher frequency of inspection |
| Characteristics of street and adjoining network | Proximity of schools, shops, hospitals, fire station, access to an airport, national sporting events, football stadiums, areas of employment and transport hubs. A street with a vulnerable type of highway user may receive a higher inspection frequency |
| Users of the highway | Streets with unusually high proportions of particular users, for example motorcyclists or cyclists for whom surface condition is of particular importance may receive a higher inspection frequency. |
The Authority’s frequency of inspections is based on the appropriate risk, functionality or usage of the highway and the subsequent hierarchy assigned, although the road category within the hierarchy, in combination with traffic use, will be the main determinant of inspection frequency. The Tyne & Wear highway authorities will look to carry out a joint hierarchy review on an annual basis. Any resulting changes will be formally documented and reported in the Annual Highway Asset Management Information Report.
Site-specific factors may merit a decision to temporarily or permanently increase or reduce the frequency in a specific location (for example a newly developed housing estate might require fewer inspections). Table 2 shows the inspection hierarchy and frequency of inspections to be adopted by the Authority. It also sets outdetails of the typical safety inspection frequencies which will be adopted following a risk-assessment of the road hierarchy.
Table 2 – Highway Inspection Frequencies
| Feature | Category | Reference | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carriageways | Strategic route | NTM1 | 12 per year |
| Main distributor | NTM2 | 12 per year | |
| Secondary distributor | NTM3 | 4 per year | |
| Link road / estate roads | NTM4 | 2 per year | |
| Back lanes | NTM5 | 1 per year | |
| Pavements | Prestige walking zones | NTF1 | 12 per year |
| Primary walking routes | NTF2 | 12 per year | |
| Secondary walking routes | NTF3 | 4 per year | |
| Link footways and local access footways | NTF4 | 2 per year | |
| Minor footways | NTF5 | 1 per year | |
| Cycle ways | Part of Carriageway | A | Same as carriageways |
| Cycle Track, Shared Cycle/Footway – a route for cyclists not contiguous with the public footway or carriageway or a shared cycle/pedestrian path | B | Same as associated footways or annually |
The above frequencies have been based upon WMHI guidance and the operational needs for the Authority. The inspection hierarchy takes into account current and expected use, resilience and local economic and social factors such as industry, schools, hospitals and similar, as well as the desirability of continuity and of a consistent approach for walking and cycling. The frequencies are assigned as our default level of inspection but as part of the risk-based approach to safety inspections, any street in North Tyneside could have its frequency increased or decreased based on the above approach. An example of this is back lanes, whereby footfall and traffic flow is significantly less than other areas. Historically, these were inspected twice per year. Under this updated policy, having reviewed the hierarchy and applied a risk assessment, it is determined that inspecting these areas yearly rather than 6 monthly is the more appropriate and proportionate action. Back lanes will still be maintained to a good standard and this Policy will fit into the wider work that the Elected Mayor and Deputy Mayor are undertaking with the senior officer team on our approach to enforcement matters to ensure North Tyneside is a great place to live work and visit.