Road Safety Audits.
Road Safety Audits arranged with independent audit teams, with the designer’s response prepared and agreed so the audit helps the scheme rather than holds it up.
Also known as: Road Safety Audit, RSA, Stage 2 RSA, Stage 3 RSA, GG 119, designer’s response
What’s included.
A Road Safety Audit is an independent review of new or altered highway layouts, usually at Stage 1 (preliminary design), Stage 2 (detailed design), Stage 3 (completion) and Stage 4 (monitoring). DMRB GG 119 is the standard most councils follow. The audit team must be independent of the designers.
- Audit brief and information pack
- Appointment of an independent audit team
- Stage 1, Stage 2 or combined Stage 1/2 audits
- Designer’s response to each problem
- Design changes where needed
- Exception reports where a recommendation is not followed
Straightforward, proportionate, agreed early.
Independent
We arrange the audit with an independent team, as GG 119 requires, and prepare the designer’s side.
A good brief
Complete drawings and data up front mean fewer problems raised for missing information.
Constructive responses
Clear designer’s responses that resolve each problem or explain why the design stands.
Questions we get asked
Can you carry out the Road Safety Audit yourself?
No. An audit must be independent of the design team. We arrange it with independent auditors and handle the designer’s response.
Which stages does a planning application need?
Usually a Stage 1 for a new or altered access. Stage 2 follows at detailed design, and Stage 3 after construction.
What if we disagree with a recommendation?
The designer’s response can explain why, and an exception report sets out the reasons for the highway authority to agree.
Often needed alongside.
Last reviewed October 2026 by Ripple Development Planning. Policy and guidance change; for advice on a specific site, send us the details.
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