In the light of the recent Coronavirus outbreak, working methods and locations are constantly changing.  This impacts on us as Road Safety Auditors given the important nature of site visits within the Road Safety Audit process. 

We have been asked several times, in different ways, if SoRSA can provide guidance on relaxing the requirements for Road Safety Auditors visiting site either as a team (allowing single person visits to ensure social distancing) or altogether.  There are currently differing stances by organisations undertaking Road Safety Audits on travel at this time.  Some have a total travel ban, others are continuing to allow some travel activity and others still having no specific bans in place, all of which need to be considered when looking at the options in undertaking Road Safety Audits.  We would advise you work closely with your clients to ensure activity continues if you are unable to go to site due to travel restrictions. 

SoRSA cannot give specific direction on relaxing the requirements of site visits as it is the responsibility of the individual Overseeing Organisation (Highway Authority) to make that decision on a case by case basis.  If Road Safety Audits are being undertaken in accordance with GG119 or other procedures that require a two-person team to visit site, any deviation from that will need approval from the Overseeing Organisation.  There are risks associated with lone working and therefore this would need to be considered if the proposed approach is to undertake Road Safety Audit site visits as individuals.

SoRSA recommends that any change to policy, be that GG119 or a local procedure, be fully recorded and agreed with the Project Sponsor prior to undertaking the Road Safety Audit.  In this case, the key is to document the decision, who took that decision and why they took it.      

Some organisations, including Transport for London, have already announced that they are making changes during this time.  There are a number of different options that could be discussed with the Project Sponsor if a relaxation is being sought, including but not limited to: undertaking the audit using online mapping or other material without a site visit; completing the site visit as individuals and discussing afterwards; completing the audit as a provisional or interim report pending a site visit later; or using your experience from a past site visit undertaken at a previous stage.

The most important thing at this time is to keep you and your loved ones safe and healthy.  A primary consideration in the RSA process is the safety of all road users at all times, and that includes auditors. Whichever way you choose to do the Road Safety Audit, please stay safe and well and follow government advice https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

We are happy to continue to help where we can.  Please contact sorsa@ciht.org.uk

You can read the latest guidance from Highways England here: Road Safety Audits – Site Visits During The COVID-19 Pandemic