The right road to success

This article considers the use of transport asset management plans in the UK with reference to a framework document developed to provide a reference point and assist local authorities with preparation of plans. Asset management of a road network is defined as a strategic approach that identifies optimal allocation of resources for the management of the highway infrastructure. Highway asset management plans have been used in the UK since 2001: research into other countries' experiences and similar work in other sectors produced evidence of a need for a framework document. The framework is based on a generic asset management system, illustrating how activities are linked. A local authority can produce a basic plan by documenting how it addresses each activity: technological developments mean that more detailed and wide-ranging data are becoming available. Implementation of a plan requires a high level of corporate commitment.