We coordinate and support Stage 1 and Stage 2 Road Safety Audits to review highway designs and identify potential safety issues before schemes are built. Our role is to ensure audits are properly scoped, proportionate and integrated with the wider design and planning process.
Road Safety Audits are a key requirement for new access arrangements and highway works and are closely scrutinised by Local Highway Authorities and National Highways.
What are Stage 1 and Stage 2 Road Safety Audits?
Stage 1 Road Safety Audits review the preliminary design of highway schemes, focusing on layout, alignment and the interaction between different road users. Stage 2 Road Safety Audits review the detailed design, considering signing, lining, visibility and operational detail.
Both stages are undertaken by an independent audit team in accordance with national guidance and form a critical part of the highway approval process.
Our Road Safety Audit support is tailored to the scheme and typically includes:
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Coordination of independent Stage 1 and Stage 2 Road Safety Audits
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Preparation and issue of audit information packs and RSA briefs
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Liaison with the audit team and highway authority
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Review and interpretation of audit findings
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Preparation of designer responses to audit recommendations
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Integration of audit outcomes into design development
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Support through technical approval processes
The value of well managed Road Safety Audits lies in identifying genuine safety issues early, while avoiding unnecessary redesign driven by misinterpretation or over application of standards. By coordinating audits alongside design development, we help clients understand which recommendations require action, how they can be addressed proportionately and where professional judgement is appropriate. This approach supports safer schemes, smoother approvals and clearer dialogue with highway authorities, reducing the risk of delay or repeated audit cycles.
When Stage 1 and Stage 2 Road Safety Audits are required
Stage 1 and Stage 2 Road Safety Audits are commonly required:
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For new or altered site access
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As part of Section 278 highway works
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For junction improvements or new highway layouts
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To support planning conditions or technical approval
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Where schemes affect the public highway
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For developments reviewed by National Highways
Early coordination helps ensure audits support, rather than hinder, design progression.
Our approach
We take a clear, structured approach to Road Safety Audit coordination:
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Confirm audit stage and scope requirements
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Coordinate information with designers and auditors
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Manage audit timing alongside design progression
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Review findings and advise on responses
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Support agreement with the highway authority
Our focus is on safety, clarity and efficient progression through approval.
Who we support
We support Stage 1 and Stage 2 Road Safety Audits for:
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Residential developments
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Commercial and employment sites
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Retail and leisure schemes
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Education and healthcare projects
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Strategic and large scale developments
Our experience across England, Scotland and Wales ensures audit processes align with local authority expectations and procedures.
Need support coordinating Stage 1 or Stage 2 Road Safety Audits?
Get in touch and we will help manage the audit process and support safe, deliverable highway designs.
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