Uk Roads Are In Worse Condition Than Official Reports – Rsta And Gaist Call For Smarter Maintenance

The Road Surface Treatments Association (RSTA) and highways technology company GAIST have released new data about the state of the roads in England showing that, although road conditions are significantly worse than official reports suggest, an AI led approach could save £2 Billion.

Using the most comprehensive AI-driven road condition analysis, GAIST has a national view of the Scottish, Welsh and English road networks over the last 6 years. They have segmented the entire UK road network into c.85 Million unique 5 meter segments, with a historic database collecting 4.2 Trillion items of data per year, making it the most detailed analysis available.

The latest findings for 2024 reveal that:

The difference in the figures highlighted above is due to the use of outdated road surveying methods previously used versus the highly accurate analysis provided by GAIST’s AI data.

These findings confirm what road users already suspect: the road network has deteriorated more than official data suggests. Many roads are now in a mid-life state, meaning they are not yet at the point of failure but are deteriorating. Without timely and targeted intervention, these roads will soon degrade into more costly pothole-ridden surfaces.

Using their leading AI system, GAIST have identified over £2 Billion of savings that can be made by ensuring utility roadworks meet the standard required, and through targeted preventative maintenance using more cost effective solutions to extend the lifecycle of roads.

The Department for Transport (DfT) is about to introduce a new data standard, PAS2161:2024, which aims to address the inaccuracies of outdated road surveying methods by opening the door to the latest innovation and developments in technology, such as GAIST, to support accurate road condition data collection, thus enabling councils to prioritise maintenance more effectively.

GAIST has pioneered AI-powered road condition data, giving councils high-resolution, real-world insights that improves targeted maintenance, reduces costs, and strengthens funding applications. Many local authorities using GAIST’s technology have already secured significantly more investment for their road networks, proving that better data leads to better funding decisions.

The collaboration between the RSTA and GAIST comes at a critical time, aligning with the UK Government’s push for AI-driven improvements in public services, as outlined by Keir Starmer. Just as AI is to be used to modernise Government decision-making to solve long term complex problems, councils can also leverage these AI-driven insights to allocate road maintenance budgets more effectively, thereby collectively saving the UK billions while preventing roads from falling into disrepair.

Mike Hansford, CEO of the RSTA, on the Road to Change “The developments in this type of technology offer an opportunity to local councils to better understand condition across their full road networks.

The combination of highly accurate data and the adoption of preventative maintenance strategies is the key to tackling the UK’s road crisis. This data highlights that a growing portion of the network is in mid-life, serviceable condition, making it crucial to apply preventative surface treatments before costly potholes develop.

The RSTA is focussed on positive solutions that will support road network operators with the challenge of managing their networks, and seeks to promote how data-driven, proactive maintenance will extend road life, reduce pothole formation, and deliver better outcomes for road users.”

Mr Hansford stressed that accurate data and adoption of preventative maintenance strategies, offer a viable solution for the management of road networks, and makes a call to action, to turn the tide on the decline of our roads.

Steve Birdsall, CEO of GAIST, on the AI Road Revolution “GAIST is a UK company which leads in the development of road condition monitoring using AI. Our insights provide a level of accuracy and forensic detail that is reshaping road maintenance plans.

With over £2 Billion of quick wins identified, councils now have the tools to take proactive action – moving from reactive pothole repairs to smarter, data-driven maintenance. This is a global problem and we are now working with organisations in the USA, Japan, South America, Europe and Australia, to tackle the legacy of underinvestment into roads.

GAIST also provide every item of data required by councils to maintain their footways, road markings, cycleways, road signs and other roadside infrastructure. Councils are making significant savings in these areas by using GAIST’s AI tools to target maintenance effectively.”

PIC-GAIST