Roads
Responsibility for the Road Network
Devon & Cornwall has one of the largest road networks in the country, with over 13,700 miles of road to maintain
The responsibility for the local road network in Devon and Cornwall lies with the local authorities – Devon County Council, Cornwall Council, Plymouth City Council and Torbay Council. The Strategic trunk road network is managed and maintained by National Highways.
Local Highway Authorities as well as National Highways play a critical role in ensuring the safety, accessibility, and sustainability of their road network. Their statutory responsibilities, primarily governed by the Highways Act 1980 and the Road Traffic Act 1988, are increasingly aligned with the principles of the Safe System.
Core Duties:
- Maintain road infrastructure to a safe standard, including surfaces, signage, lighting, and drainage.
- Conduct regular inspections and risk-based assessments to identify and address hazards.
- Promote road safety through education and engineering.
- Respond to incidents and public reports of defects (e.g., potholes, obstructions).
- Publish performance data on road conditions and maintenance spending.
How road management integrates with the Safe System
The Safe System is built on the principle that human error should not result in death or serious injury. Local Highway Authorities contribute to this vision through:
Safe Roads &
Roadsides
- Designing and maintaining forgiving road environments (e.g., crash barriers, clear zones).
- Implementing traffic calming and speed management in high-risk areas.
Safe
Speeds
- Collaborating with police and communities to implement local speed limits.
- Using data to inform speed limit reviews and road design.
Safe
Road Use
- Supporting behavioural change campaigns (e.g., around active travel).
- Partnering with schools and community groups to promote safe travel.
Safe
Vehicles
- Ensuring road infrastructure supports modern vehicle technologies (e.g., EV charging, smart signage).
- Facilitating safe access for all vehicle types, including vulnerable road users.
Post-Crash
Response
- Coordinating with emergency services to ensure rapid response and clear access.
- Maintaining accurate road data to support incident analysis and prevention.
More information
Please use the following links to find out more:
