Meet the DfT professional learning requirement for highways funding

Register your interest and be the first to hear when the course launches, receive course updates and pricing, and ensure your organisation is ready to meet the DfT's professional learning requirements.

For 2026 to 2027, the government has confirmed a revised set of Incentive Fund requirements. These are the conditions all local authorities without exception must meet to access their full allocation of highways maintenance funding.  

To access funding, one of the 4 requirements stipulated is that English highway authorities must ensure professional learning on highways maintenance is demonstrated to DfT by 30 November 2026.

Without clear evidence of ongoing professional development with a clear focus on maintenance, 12.5% of annual Incentive Fund payments are at risk. As expectations continue to shift towards data-driven, planned maintenance, investing in people is now just as important as investing in assets.

Authorities need to move beyond reactive maintenance and demonstrate planned, evidence-led asset management. Strong data, clear strategies, and transparent reporting are now essential to protect funding.

To help authorities meet this requirement, CIHT Learn has developed a bespoke eLearning course to address skills and planning gaps in preventative maintenance, as well as align with the UKRLG competency framework. Designed around the knowledge and competencies needed for modern, evidence-led highways asset management, the course provides a practical route to demonstrating continued professional learning—helping authorities secure their funding while strengthening long-term asset management performance.

Expert-led training authored by Matthew Lugg OBE

The course is authored by Matthew Lugg - OBE - Past President of CIHT, Non Executive Director and Company Chairman of Via EM Ltd and former Director of Local Transport at WSP, UK and has been developed in consultation with local authorities to ensure the learning requirement is met.

The course covers

• An understanding of the principles of highway preventative maintenance
• An appreciation of the benefits and importance of highway preventative maintenance
• How to develop a highway maintenance preventative strategy
• An understanding of the types of preventative highway maintenance treatments, what to apply and when
• How to deliver a highway maintenance preventative maintenance strategy
• Demonstrate continued professional learning in preventative maintenance and how to apply the learning within your organisation  

Why CIHT Learn eLearning is the No1 Choice for Preventative Highway Maintenance

Built for the DfT requirement – Designed to help authorities demonstrate professional learning in preventative highways maintenance.

Expert authored – Written by Matthew Lugg OBE, one of the UK's leading highways asset management experts.

Developed with local authorities – Shaped by the sector to address real-world challenges and funding requirements.

Industry aligned – Mapped to the UKRLG Competency Framework and leading to CIHT certification.

All-inclusive learning experience – Everything you need is included, with no additional textbooks or materials required.

Cost-effective development – Reduce travel, accommodation and training costs without compromising quality.

Practical and applied learning – Focuses on developing the knowledge and skills needed to implement preventative maintenance strategies.

Award-winning eLearning platform – Built specifically for highways and transportation professionals.

Flexible online access – Self-paced, on-demand learning available anytime, anywhere, on your phone, tablet or computer.

Skills for the future – Helps professionals and organisations build the capability needed for modern highways asset management.

Designed for busy professionals – Bite-sized modules make learning engaging and easy to fit around your workload.

Help and support

For further information about the Preventative Highways Maintenance eLearning course, or to discuss how CIHT Learn can support your organisation, please contact Sally Devine, CIHT Learn Training Solutions Director directly.

Register your interest for course launch updates

Be the first to hear when the course launches, receive course updates and pricing, and ensure your organisation is ready to meet the DfT's professional learning requirements.