Questionable skid resistance levels on UK local roads

October 2020

Figures from the UK Department of Transport indicate that more than a quarter of the UK’s local road network have questionable skid resistance levels.

The DOT’s Road Conditions in England statistics report, over the three period from 2016 to 2019, some 28% of the local road network needs further investigation.

Reduced skidding resistance can mean increases in the chances of accidents, especially at approaches to road junctions and traffic lights, pedestrian crossings and roundabouts, as well as road stretches that have high accident levels.

Local authorities need to ensure these potential accident black spots are investigated, properly treated and maintained. Deterioration in skid resistance could also be an early indicated that the road as a whole will need intervention.

The RSTA in UK is calling for greater use of high friction surfacing and other surface treatments to improve skid resistance, including surface dressing, which can also protect the road surface against water ingress and potholes.

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