Management of Roadside Technology

Industry invited to shape new guidance

5th October 2026 - Alistair Gollop for ITS Now

The Transport Technology Forum’s decision to open consultation on its new guidance for the Management of Roadside Technology arrives at a moment when the quiet, functional machinery of Britain’s roads is undergoing a profound shift. Local authorities have lived for years with an expanding catalogue of roadside assets, each carrying its own operational quirks, maintenance demands and data responsibilities. The original Management of Electronic Traffic Equipment Code of Practice, published in 2011, served its purpose in an era when roadside technology was still largely defined by signals, crossings, message signs and a familiar suite of detection systems. The world has moved on. The equipment has multiplied, the expectations placed upon it have grown, and the consequences of failure have become more complex. It is no surprise that the TTF has chosen to rewrite the guidance from the ground up.

The new draft, titled Well Managed Highway Infrastructure: Management of Roadside Technology, sits within a broader modernisation of national practice. It is designed as a companion to the updated Well Managed Highways Infrastructure: Code of Practice and will ultimately form part of the expanded Manual for Smart Streets. That positioning matters, as it signals that roadside technology is no longer a peripheral concern but a core component of how highways are planned, operated and maintained. The consultation is an invitation to shape a document that will influence how authorities make decisions about investment, resilience and long-term stewardship.

The range of assets covered in the draft reflects the changing nature of roadside technology. Traditional equipment remains central to the guidance. Traffic signals, pedestrian crossings, message signs and detection systems still form the backbone of urban and inter-urban network management. Their reliability underpins safety, efficiency and accessibility. Yet the draft also acknowledges that the roadside environment now includes electric vehicle charging infrastructure, connected vehicle systems, digital interfaces and a growing array of communications equipment. These additions are not simply new devices, they represent new operational models, new data flows and new expectations from road users, operators and suppliers.

The editorial team, led by ITS consultant Steve George and Warwickshire County Council’s Gafoor Din, has taken a broad view of what modern roadside technology management requires. They have identified areas where practice has evolved significantly since 2011 and where guidance must catch up. Data management and security sit high on that list. Roadside technology now generates and consumes vast quantities of data, often in real time, and authorities must manage that data responsibly. The Digital Controller Interface Standard, Digital Traffic Regulation Orders and Low Emission Zone systems are also highlighted as areas needing clearer direction. These topics reflect a shift towards digital-first operations, where software, connectivity and interoperability are as important as physical hardware.

Procurement and contractual procedures have been earmarked for updating too. Authorities increasingly rely on long-term service contracts, framework agreements and performance-based models to manage roadside technology. The guidance aims to help them navigate these arrangements with greater confidence, ensuring that suppliers deliver reliable, future-proofed systems and that authorities retain the flexibility to adapt as technology evolves. The inclusion of procurement within the guidance reinforces the idea that good management begins long before equipment is installed.

Steve George’s comments on the consultation capture the spirit of the exercise. He describes it as a chance for designers, suppliers, installers and maintainers to influence the guidance they will use for years to come. His emphasis on testing the draft against the reality of working on local roads is particularly important. National guidance must be grounded in practical experience. It must reflect the challenges faced by authorities with limited budgets, ageing assets, diverse suppliers and increasing public expectations. George notes that spending time on the consultation now will help ensure the final guidance offers practical support when authorities make decisions about management, maintenance and investment. That sentiment speaks directly to the pressures felt across the sector.

The consultation is not limited to text. TTF is also seeking images and short video clips to illustrate the guidance. The call for high-resolution photographs of permanent roadside technology highlights the importance of visual clarity in technical documents. Images of signals, crossings, message signs, charging points, communications equipment and connected vehicle infrastructure will help readers understand the variety of assets covered. Contributors are asked to provide brief descriptions, locations where appropriate and confirmation that the material can be published. Appropriate credits will be included. This request reflects a wider trend in technical guidance of the recognition that clear visuals help bridge the gap between policy and practice.

The broader context for the draft guidance is worth considering. Britain’s roads are entering a period of transition. Electric vehicles are becoming mainstream, connected vehicle trials are expanding, and digital regulation is reshaping how traffic orders are created and managed. Roadside technology is central to all of these developments. It must be reliable, secure, interoperable and adaptable. Authorities need guidance that helps them manage assets that may have lifespans measured in decades but operate within digital ecosystems that change rapidly. The draft aims to provide that support.

There is also a growing recognition that roadside technology plays a role in wider societal goals. Systems that manage traffic flow contribute to air quality improvements. Reliable crossings support accessibility and active travel. Charging infrastructure encourages the shift to electric vehicles. Connected vehicle systems promise safer, more efficient journeys. The guidance therefore sits at the intersection of engineering, policy, digital innovation and public service. Its scope reflects that complexity.

The consultation period offers an opportunity for the sector to ensure the guidance is both ambitious and grounded. Authorities can test whether the draft reflects the realities of maintaining equipment in varied environments, from dense urban centres to rural networks. Suppliers can assess whether the guidance supports innovation while maintaining clarity and consistency. Specialists can highlight areas where emerging technologies require further explanation. The strength of the final document will depend on the breadth and depth of the feedback received.

The TTF’s approach recognises that roadside technology is no longer a static field. It is dynamic, interconnected and increasingly digital. Guidance must evolve accordingly. The draft represents a significant step towards a more comprehensive, modern and practical framework for managing the technology that keeps Britain’s roads moving.

The consultation is open until 18 October 2026. Those who work with roadside technology, whether in design, supply, installation or maintenance, have a chance to shape guidance that will influence practice for years to come. The draft, feedback portal and image submission details can be accessed at: https://ttf.uk.net/2026/10/02/industry-invited-to-shape-new-guidance-on-the-management-of-roadside-technology/