UK Road Closures: Understanding the GG 902 Standard for Accurate Advance Notification

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When it comes to roadworks on motorways and trunk roads, timely and reliable information is crucial for keeping road users safe and informed. The GG 902 customer service standard, introduced by National Highways, sets the bar in the UK for delivering accurate advance notifications of planned road closures. But what does this standard actually cover, and why does it matter?

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This blog will break down the GG 902 standard in detail—highlighting its objectives, operational expectations, implementation methods, and impact on road users and planners alike.

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What is GG 902?

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GG 902 is a document within the UK’s Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB). It outlines the customer service requirements for planned road and slip road closures on the motorway and trunk road network. Introduced in May 2022, it replaced the older CHE Memo 439/19 and serves as a policy tool for enhancing transparency, trust, and travel planning for UK road users.

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Why Was GG 902 Introduced?

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The need for GG 902 arose from public feedback and transport reviews, particularly from the Transport Focus report, which highlighted that travelers—including freight operators—expect accurate, timely closure information. The goal of GG 902 is to support:

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• Stress-free journeys
• Reliable trip planning
• Trust in roadwork notifications

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GG 902 also ties into National Highways’ broader customer service strategy (PR101/15), committing to improve the way information is communicated to the public.

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Key Objectives of GG 902

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• Ensure customers receive closure details by 13:15 on the day of the works.

• Provide 7-day advance forecasts for all full carriageway and slip road closures.

• Improve accuracy in reporting, aiming for a 90% accuracy rate over time.

• Increase operational transparency through routine accuracy audits and reports.

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Who Must Follow GG 902?

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GG 902 applies specifically to England’s National Highways managed road network. Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have their own annexes, stating that GG 902 does not apply in these devolved regions.

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Scope and Implementation

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The GG 902 requirements are mandatory for:

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• All planned full closures on motorways or trunk roads.

• Any works requiring detailed advance notice and reporting.

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The standard relies on GG 101, which provides the governance framework for road and bridge design in the UK.

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Daily Planned Closure Reporting Requirements

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To meet the expectations set by GG 902, regional focal points must:

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1. Submit a list of planned closures (including area, road number, direction, times, and diversion details) by 12:00 each working day.
2. Provide updates by 13:10—only under exceptional, unforeseen circumstances.
3. Ensure the National Traffic Operations Centre (NTOC) publishes the daily closure report by 13:15.
4. Publish another report at 15:30 if updates are needed.

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Closures notified after 13:10 are marked as inaccurate and negatively impact accuracy metrics.

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Accuracy Auditing: Daily and Rolling Reports

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Accuracy reports are the backbone of performance tracking:

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• Daily Accuracy Report: Compares scheduled vs. actual closures. If the work didn’t occur as planned, it's flagged.

• Seven-Day Rolling Accuracy Report: Tracks how accurately the roadwork forecast matches reality seven days in advance.

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The data is measured against five criteria:

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1. Works occurred within 60 minutes of the planned time – Pass
2. Works occurred but outside the 60-minute window – Fail
3. Planned works didn’t occur – Fail
4. Works happened without prior notice – Fail
5. Cancellations not forecasted – Fail

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Tools and Systems Used

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GG 902 is built on integration with the Network Occupancy Management System (NOMS), which centralizes:

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• Event scheduling
• Occupancy tracking
• Closure communications

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This tool enables regional coordination and standardization across the road network.

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Performance Targets and Improvements

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The GG 902 standard aims to increase performance gradually from 41.64% accuracy toward a 90% target. Monthly reports guide continuous improvement, with oversight by the Operational Planning Team and National Highways.

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Benefits to UK Road Users

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Here’s what GG 902 ensures for the traveling public:

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• Fewer unexpected road disruptions

• More accurate sat-nav and traffic reports

• Enhanced planning for freight and commercial transport

• Reduced congestion and confusion

• Improved customer trust in road authorities

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Conclusion

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The GG 902 standard represents a crucial step toward modernizing how the UK manages and communicates planned road closures. It balances customer expectations with operational feasibility, ensuring that accurate information reaches the public when it’s most needed.

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If you're a road planner, engineer, or contractor, understanding GG 902 isn’t just about compliance—it’s about enhancing road safety and building public confidence in infrastructure projects.

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