How Tech-Enabled Road Surveys Improve Asbestos Detection?

Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are a hidden threat in many parts of the UK's aging road infrastructure. From bridge decks and drainage ducts to tunnel ventilation systems and lighting panels, the legacy of asbestos use poses serious risks to public health and worker safety. To manage this, the UK Highways Agency (HA) has implemented the General Asbestos Management Plan (GAMP) to comply with Regulation 4 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations (CAR) 2006.

However, traditional manual surveys of road assets are time-consuming, costly, and prone to human error. That’s where tech-enabled road surveys come in — leveraging AI, video analysis, and geospatial tools to detect and monitor asbestos risks more efficiently and accurately.

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The GAMP Approach to Compliance

The GAMP provides a national strategy for identifying and managing asbestos within the UK’s Strategic Road Network. It mandates the preparation of Asbestos Action Plans (AAPs) for various highway assets, from bridges to depots, especially those constructed before the 2000 asbestos ban.

Under GAMP, highway service providers must inspect at least 5% of their designated assets annually, aiming for 100% coverage by 2025. These inspections are supported by detailed templates, data upload protocols, and digital record systems like SMIS, HAPMS, and TPMS.

Where Tech Makes the Difference?

1. High-Resolution Imaging and AI Analysis
Modern survey vehicles equipped with dashcams, drones, or LiDAR can capture high-resolution imagery of road surfaces, structures, and surrounding assets. AI models trained to recognize physical indicators of ACMs (such as materials used in joints, ducts, or electrical boxes) can help identify suspect areas needing closer inspection.

2. Data Integration with Existing Platforms
Collected data can be tagged, converted to standard formats (like PDFs), and uploaded directly to HA databases such as TPMS. This eliminates delays in processing and ensures that asbestos risks are recorded in real-time.

3. Geo-Tagging and Predictive Prioritization
Digital tools can help prioritize inspections based on asset age, material history, or incident risk levels. Geo-tagging enables teams to create heatmaps of potential ACM presence, focusing efforts on the oldest or most trafficked routes.

4. Remote Monitoring and Digital Twins
With digital twins of highway assets becoming more common, asbestos data can now be integrated into a structure’s digital replica. This allows for real-time risk simulations and maintenance planning without physical access.

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Enhancing GAMP with AI and Digital Surveying

The GAMP already outlines a robust compliance and monitoring framework. But its implementation can be significantly accelerated through the integration of tech-enabled surveys, especially for:

• Old tunnels with concealed cladding
• Bridge decks with historic waterproofing systems
• Lighting and control units installed before 2000
• Underground ducts and drainage lines

By combining regulatory compliance with automation and data-driven insights, the UK can not only meet its 2025 asbestos action plan goals but also enhance worker safety and public health protections.

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Conclusion

Tech-enabled road surveys offer a scalable and efficient way to tackle asbestos risks in the UK's road infrastructure. With tools like AI, remote sensing, and database integration, the nation can transition from reactive identification to predictive asbestos risk management — turning compliance into opportunity.

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With advanced AI in road maintenance, RoadVision AI empowers stakeholders to proactively manage repairs, from early potholes repair to congestion analysis. Its automated traffic surveys and condition assessments generate actionable road data, improving road safety and infrastructure efficiency. The platform supports compliance with IRC Codes and integrates seamlessly with UK infrastructure policies, making it a valuable asset for local councils and transport planners across the UK.

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FAQs

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Q1. What is an Asbestos Action Plan (AAP) in UK highways?

An AAP outlines identified or potential asbestos risks in highway assets and includes steps for safe handling, remediation, and compliance with CAR 2006.

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Q2. How does AI help in detecting asbestos in roads?

AI analyzes visual and geospatial data to flag potential ACMs in roads, bridges, and tunnels—especially in older assets built before the asbestos ban.

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Q3. Which UK highway assets are most likely to contain asbestos?

Common assets include tunnel cladding, drainage pipes, lighting columns, bridge deck materials, and control cabinets installed before 2000.

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