Emergency response on the UK road network involves far more than clearing vehicles, restoring traffic flow, and providing medical assistance. A hidden but critical hazard arises when incidents damage older infrastructure that may contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). Across the Strategic Road Network (SRN), asbestos remains present in many legacy assets constructed before the national ban. Effective safety management therefore requires structured frameworks and modern infrastructure monitoring technologies. Platforms such as AI-powered road infrastructure monitoring systems help transportation authorities monitor infrastructure conditions, detect risks early, and support safer road network operations.
The UK Strategic Road Network includes:
• Approximately 7,500 km of major roads
• More than 16,000 highway structures
• Thousands of roadside technology and operational assets
Many of these assets were constructed before asbestos was banned in 1999–2000 and may still contain ACMs.
Common locations where asbestos may exist include:
• Bridge formwork and structural filler boards
• Pipe insulation and ventilation ducts
• Tunnel linings and fireproof coatings
• Shelter roofs, depots, and maintenance buildings
During road incidents such as collisions, fires, or structural damage, these materials may be disturbed and release hazardous fibres.
Infrastructure monitoring platforms such as AI-based road network monitoring systems help authorities maintain visibility over infrastructure conditions across the SRN.
The General Asbestos Management Plan (GAMP) establishes national procedures for service providers and emergency responders when asbestos risks may be present.
Emergency responders must rapidly assess whether damaged infrastructure could contain asbestos, particularly when incidents involve older bridges, tunnels, or roadside facilities.
Each infrastructure asset should have an Asbestos Action Plan (AAP) documenting:
• Known or suspected ACM locations
• Hazard classifications
• Recommended response procedures
These records are stored in infrastructure databases such as SMIS, TPMS, and HAPMS.
Early coordination ensures that all stakeholders understand the risk before recovery operations begin. Agencies involved may include:
• Police and fire services
• Ambulance teams
• Local authorities
• Utility companies
• Network Rail where applicable
Responders should:
• Establish exclusion zones around affected areas
• Prevent unnecessary personnel access
• Avoid disturbing debris or damaged materials
• Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
Minimizing disturbance until accredited asbestos professionals arrive is essential.
Only licensed asbestos specialists are permitted to remove, encapsulate, or dispose of ACMs.
All activities must comply with Control of Asbestos Regulations (CAR 2012) to ensure safe handling, documentation, and regulatory compliance.
Effective asbestos management during incidents requires coordinated responsibilities across several stakeholders.
National Highways
• Establishes GAMP policy and national guidance
• Oversees compliance across the SRN
Managing Agent Contractors (MACs)
• Coordinate asbestos control on site
• Support emergency responders during incidents
Area and Technology Service Providers
• Maintain updated AAPs and asbestos survey records
• Manage roadside technology infrastructure
Emergency Services
• Follow asbestos safety protocols
• Avoid disturbing suspected ACMs
• Coordinate with infrastructure dutyholders
To ensure effective incident response, GAMP requires service providers to maintain operational readiness through structured training programmes.
Key preparedness measures include:
• Appointment of trained asbestos personnel
• Ongoing awareness programmes
• Compliance with Duty to Manage obligations under CAR Regulation 4
• Hazard identification training for emergency response teams
These requirements help ensure asbestos risks are recognised even in high-pressure situations.
Several types of incidents across the SRN may involve asbestos risks, including:
• Collisions impacting older bridges or tunnels
• Vehicle fires near asbestos-lined ducts
• Illegal dumping of asbestos waste
• Structural collapse caused by impacts or severe weather
• Emergency repairs involving legacy infrastructure
Digital asset management platforms such as AI roadside asset inventory systems help maintain accurate records of infrastructure elements that may contain hazardous materials.
After incidents involving asbestos risks, service providers must complete formal reporting and review processes.
Required actions include:
• Submitting incident reports to National Highways databases
• Updating affected Asbestos Action Plans (AAPs)
• Participating in safety audits and compliance reviews
Infrastructure assessment technologies such as AI pavement condition monitoring systems can assist in evaluating damage to road surfaces and surrounding assets after incidents.
Although asbestos is no longer used in modern construction, legacy materials remain embedded within many parts of the UK Strategic Road Network. When road traffic incidents damage older infrastructure, disturbed ACMs can pose serious health risks if not properly managed.
Through the structured GAMP framework, National Highways ensures that emergency response includes hazard identification, containment procedures, specialist intervention, and regulatory compliance.
Advanced infrastructure intelligence tools such as AI-based road safety audit systems further support safer infrastructure management by helping authorities identify safety risks, improve maintenance planning, and strengthen long-term road network resilience.
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