How Asbestos Surveys Are Conducted on the UK’s Strategic Road Network

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Asbestos management is a critical safety consideration in the maintenance of the UK's Strategic Road Network (SRN), particularly because a substantial portion of the infrastructure was constructed before the year 2000, when asbestos was still commonly used. The General Asbestos Management Plan (GAMP), issued by the Highways Agency (now National Highways), outlines a comprehensive strategy to ensure the safety of all stakeholders involved in road maintenance, construction, and operations.

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In this blog, we provide a detailed, easy-to-understand guide on how asbestos surveys are conducted on the UK’s SRN in compliance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations (CAR) 2006 and associated Interim Advice Notes (IAN 63/05). This blog is SEO optimized to provide valuable insight for contractors, engineers, and road safety professionals.

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Understanding the GAMP Framework

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The General Asbestos Management Plan (GAMP) was developed to help the Highways Agency comply with Regulation 4 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006. It acts as an umbrella document under which all asbestos-related assessments, records, and action plans for the SRN are managed.

GAMP mandates the development of:

• Area Asbestos Management Plans (AAMPs)
• Scheme Asbestos Management Plans (SAMPs)
• Asbestos Action Plans (AAPs)

Each of these documents plays a role in documenting and managing the risks posed by asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in assets along the SRN.

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Why Asbestos Surveys Are Necessary

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Many SRN assets were built before the nationwide ban on asbestos in 1999. Without systematic identification and management, there is a risk of inadvertent exposure during maintenance or construction.

Surveys ensure:

• Public and worker safety
• Legal compliance with CAR 2006
• Proper scheduling of maintenance without health risks

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Planning and Compliance Targets

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To comply with CAR Regulation 4, the Highways Agency, in agreement with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), set a 20-year target (2005–2025) to cover the entire SRN.

Key Milestones:

• By 2008: AAPs for depots, tunnels, and high-risk buildings completed
• By 2025: 100% coverage of the SRN
• Annual Goal: Minimum of 5% coverage per year

Priority is given to:

• Oldest sections of the network
• Areas undergoing planned maintenance or suspected to contain ACMs

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Survey Types and Procedures

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Depending on the asset and scope of work, two types of asbestos surveys are conducted:

1. Management Surveys

Used for routine management and maintenance planning. They identify the location and condition of ACMs likely to be disturbed during normal operations.

2. Refurbishment/Demolition Surveys

These are more intrusive and required before any structural renovations or demolitions to ensure all ACMs are identified and safely removed if necessary.

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Survey Process Overview:

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• Initial review of existing asset records (TPMS, SMIS, HAPMS)
• On-site visual inspection and sampling
• Laboratory analysis of suspected materials
• Risk assessment and inclusion in AAPs
• Uploading survey data to relevant databases

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Assets Covered in Asbestos Surveys

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Surveys encompass a vast array of SRN assets:

Highway Structures

• Bridge decks
• Filler boards, bearings, mastics
• Drainage pipes and gaskets

Tunnels

• Rope gaskets
• Ventilation ducting
• Cladding panels
• Mechanical and electrical insulation

Highways

• Ducts, drainage, and troughs
• Electrical cabinets and lighting columns

Buildings

• Control rooms, depots, picnic site toilets
• Roofing, insulation, lagging materials

Assets built post-2000 are generally excluded unless there's reason to believe ACMs may still be present.

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Data Recording and Management

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All survey data and completed AAPs must be stored in approved formats (PDF only) and uploaded to specific HA databases:

• TPMS (Technology Performance Management System)
• SMIS (Structures Management Information System)
• HAPMS (Highways Agency Pavement Management System)

Standardized templates from IAN 63/05 ensure consistency across regions and providers.

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Training and Responsibility

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Under Regulation 10 of CAR 2006, all individuals who may encounter asbestos must be adequately trained.

Provider Responsibilities:

• Nominate AAP owners
• Ensure key staff receive accredited training
• Co-operate with HA, utility companies, emergency services, and other stakeholders

The Highways Agency also maintains a training strategy and log for internal teams through the Highways Agency Asbestos Management Team (HAAMT).

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Monitoring and Annual Reviews

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To ensure long-term compliance, the GAMP includes:

• Monthly performance reporting by Service Providers
• Annual review of the plan by HAAMT
• Targeted audits based on risk and past performance
• Feedback mechanisms to continually update procedures

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Conclusion

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Managing asbestos on the UK’s Strategic Road Network is a long-term, collaborative effort guided by the General Asbestos Management Plan. Through structured planning, prioritisation, surveys, and rigorous data management, the Highways Agency ensures safety and legal compliance across one of the nation’s most vital infrastructure systems.

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Whether you're a contractor, public authority, or industry stakeholder, understanding how asbestos surveys are conducted under this plan is essential for participating in the safe upkeep of the UK's roadways.

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