Asbestos was once widely used in UK construction because of its fire resistance and durability. However, it is now known to pose serious health risks when disturbed, releasing microscopic fibres that can cause life-threatening respiratory diseases. Because the UK’s Strategic Road Network (SRN) includes thousands of ageing bridges, tunnels, and roadside structures, effective asbestos management has become a critical safety priority.
Structured management frameworks and digital monitoring technologies are helping authorities manage this challenge more effectively. Platforms such as AI-powered road infrastructure monitoring systems support infrastructure inspection, risk identification, and long-term asset management across complex road networks.
The UK Strategic Road Network (SRN) is one of the largest infrastructure systems in Europe and includes:
• approximately 7,500 km of motorway and major A-roads
• more than 16,000 highway structures, including bridges and culverts
• over 100,000 electrical and telecommunications assets
Many assets built before 2000 may contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) used for insulation, fireproofing, coatings, or cement products. These materials become hazardous when damaged or disturbed during maintenance or construction.
Infrastructure condition monitoring tools such as AI-based road network monitoring platforms help agencies maintain better visibility into infrastructure conditions across large transportation networks.
Asbestos management in the UK is governed by the Control of Asbestos Regulations (CAR) 2012, particularly Regulation 4, which places clear responsibilities on dutyholders.
Key obligations include:
• identifying asbestos-containing materials
• assessing potential exposure risks
• maintaining updated asbestos registers
• ensuring information is available to anyone working near ACMs
To implement these requirements across the SRN, National Highways applies the General Asbestos Management Plan (GAMP) supported by:
• AAPs – Asset-specific Asbestos Action Plans
• AAMPs – Regional Asbestos Management Plans
• SAMPs – Project-specific plans for major works
• TNAMP – Asbestos management for technology and communications assets
Asbestos surveys across the SRN follow a structured programme designed to achieve full coverage by 2025.
Priority is given to:
• older or high-risk infrastructure
• assets scheduled for maintenance or upgrades
• sites with suspected or previously recorded ACMs
• corridors planned for major infrastructure projects
When major road projects reach the Preferred Route Announcement stage, dedicated SAMP surveys are initiated during preliminary design to identify asbestos risks early.
Asbestos inspections cover a wide range of road infrastructure assets, including:
• bridges and highway structures
• depots and operational buildings
• tunnels and confined infrastructure spaces
Common locations where ACMs may be found include:
• deck formwork filler boards and expansion joints
• pipe insulation and mechanical lagging
• roof sheeting and wall panels
• ceiling tiles and fireproofing materials
• rope gaskets and cable ducts
Assets built after November 1999 are generally exempt because asbestos was banned in UK construction from that date.
The asbestos survey process follows three structured steps.
Surveyors review infrastructure databases such as TPMS, HAPMS, and SMIS to identify previously recorded ACMs or suspected locations.
Licensed asbestos contractors conduct physical inspections, typically using:
• Management Surveys for routine maintenance activities
• Refurbishment/Demolition Surveys before intrusive works
Survey results are documented in detailed reports and uploaded into infrastructure asset management systems.
Digital inspection platforms such as AI-powered roadside asset inventory systems help maintain structured digital records of road infrastructure and associated risks.
Managing asbestos across the Strategic Road Network requires coordination between several stakeholders.
National Highways
• Establishes GAMP policy and guidance
• Oversees compliance across the SRN
• Manages national asbestos records
Service Providers and Contractors
• Conduct asbestos surveys
• Update Asset Asbestos Action Plans (AAPs)
• Ensure staff meet CAR Regulation 10 training requirements
Major Projects Directorate
• Develops project-specific SAMPs
• Coordinates asbestos risk data for major infrastructure works
All personnel working on SRN assets must meet the training requirements defined in CAR Regulation 10.
Service providers must:
• appoint trained Asbestos Action Plan Owners
• maintain operational staff competency
• follow documented asbestos procedures
Oversight and guidance are provided by the National Highways Asbestos Management Team (HAAMT).
Maintaining safety and regulatory compliance requires ongoing monitoring and review.
Key quality assurance processes include:
• monthly asbestos survey progress reporting
• random audits conducted by HAAMT
• performance tracking through key performance indicators (KPIs)
• continuous updates to the GAMP framework
Infrastructure monitoring systems such as AI-powered pavement condition intelligence platforms can further support asset monitoring and early identification of infrastructure deterioration.
Managing asbestos across the UK’s Strategic Road Network is a complex but essential task to ensure the safety of infrastructure workers, contractors, and the public.
Through structured frameworks such as GAMP, AAPs, and SAMPs, National Highways ensures asbestos risks are identified, documented, and managed throughout the lifecycle of road infrastructure assets.
As the SRN moves toward full asbestos survey coverage by 2025, digital infrastructure intelligence tools such as AI-powered road safety audit systems will continue supporting safer, more efficient, and data-driven infrastructure management across the UK highway network.
The Autonomous Road Engineer
AI that is transforming road infrastructure, from reactive to predictive.
