Amidst the ever-evolving transport infrastructure landscape, road safety is a priority agenda for governments, municipalities, and private developers. Traffic volume growth, urbanization, and demand for non-motorized transport facilities (cycling and walking) in South Africa and the United Kingdom highlight the significance of planning in the safety arena. Leading such planning is the Road Safety Audit (RSA) Consultant.
But what exactly is a road safety audit consultant? What qualifies them? What are their roles in infrastructure development and public safety? And why are they so crucial in providing safer roads in SA and the UK?
Let’s discover in depth.
What is a Road Safety Audit?
Before we define the role of a consultant, it’s important to understand what a road safety audit is.
A Road Safety Audit is a formal examination of a future or existing road or traffic project conducted by an independent team of qualified professionals. The aim is to identify potential safety concerns that could affect road users and recommend design or operational changes to reduce the risk of accidents.
Road safety audits are typically carried out at different stages of a project:
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Feasibility stage
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Preliminary design stage
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Detailed design stage
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Post-construction (pre-opening)
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Post-implementation
Audits focus on all road users – including pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, the elderly, and disabled persons – not just motorists.
Who is a Road Safety Audit Consultant?
A Road Safety Audit Consultant is a qualified professional with specialized knowledge and experience in road safety principles, road design, traffic engineering, and risk assessment. Their primary role is to lead or contribute to independent audits that assess road safety aspects of highway and infrastructure projects.
These consultants may work independently or as part of a multi-disciplinary consultancy team, and they are often commissioned by:
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National road agencies (e.g., SANRAL in South Africa or National Highways in the UK)
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Local authorities and councils
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Engineering and architectural firms
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Private developers planning residential, commercial, or industrial projects
They provide expert insights that help ensure road projects are not only compliant with legal standards but also engineered to protect human lives.
Read Also: What is Road Safety Patrol
Core Responsibilities of a Road Safety Audit Consultant
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Conducting Road Safety Audits
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Evaluate road layouts, intersections, signage, lighting, visibility, road markings, pedestrian facilities, and cycleways.
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Identify existing or potential hazards and assess the likelihood and severity of accidents.
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Drafting Audit Reports
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Prepare clear, detailed reports with findings and recommendations.
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Ensure the audit comments are evidence-based, practical, and prioritised based on risk levels.
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Liaising with Design Teams
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Work collaboratively with civil and transport engineers, architects, and planners.
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Provide input on safer alternative design options.
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Undertaking Site Inspections
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Visit project sites (sometimes during day and night) to observe traffic patterns and road user behaviour.
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Advising on Risk Mitigation
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Recommend measures such as traffic calming, improved signage, better lighting, or changes to road alignment.
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Compliance Checking
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Ensure that proposed and existing projects align with applicable road design guidelines and standards (e.g., DMRB in the UK or TMH-series manuals in SA).
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Post-implementation Monitoring
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Evaluate the effectiveness of implemented safety measures and suggest further improvements if needed.
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Key Skills and Qualifications Required
In the United Kingdom
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Professional Engineering Registration: Most RSA consultants are Chartered Engineers (CEng) registered with the Engineering Council.
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Accreditation: The UK Department for Transport recommends that road safety auditors have relevant training, such as courses aligned with the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB GG 119).
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Experience: Auditors must demonstrate experience with various road types and traffic scenarios.
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CPD (Continuing Professional Development): Staying updated with changing standards and emerging safety technologies is essential.
In South Africa
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Engineering Background: RSA consultants often hold qualifications in civil engineering, transport engineering, or traffic management.
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ECSA Registration: Many are registered with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA).
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Specialised Training: Training may include courses aligned with SANRAL requirements or CPD-approved programs offered by academic institutions or professional bodies like SARF (South African Road Federation).
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Experience: Prior experience with infrastructure development projects and knowledge of the South African Road Traffic Safety Manual (SARTSM) is often expected.
Read Also: Safety on the Road: Essential Tips for Staying Safe
Difference Between a Road Safety Audit and a Road Safety Inspection
Although they sound similar, these two activities differ in scope and intent:
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Road Safety Audit: Proactive, design-focused, and usually done before a road is built or modified.
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Road Safety Inspection: Reactive and performed on existing roads to identify operational or maintenance-related safety issues.
In both cases, RSA consultants may be involved, but the audit requires a more structured, pre-construction approach that influences final design decisions.
Importance of RSA Consultants in the UK and South Africa
In the UK:
The Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB) mandates road safety audits for certain schemes managed by National Highways. The emphasis on Vision Zero and Safe Systems approaches has also increased the need for expert audit consultants who can ensure roads are forgiving, predictable, and inclusive.
Local authorities are also under pressure to reduce Killed and Seriously Injured (KSI) figures, particularly among vulnerable road users. RSA consultants provide the strategic safety lens needed to address these priorities.
In South Africa:
Given the country’s high road fatality rates (among the highest globally), road safety audits are a critical intervention strategy. SANRAL, along with provincial and municipal transport departments, often requires safety audits for new roadworks or upgrades, especially in urban development zones.
RSA consultants also support initiatives aimed at reducing pedestrian deaths, which account for a significant proportion of road fatalities in SA. Their expertise is instrumental in identifying black spots and recommending targeted interventions.
Tools and Methodologies Used
Modern road safety audit consultants rely on a mix of traditional site assessment techniques and digital tools, such as:
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CAD and BIM software for reviewing road designs
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Video surveys and drone footage for traffic flow analysis
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Crash data analysis tools
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GIS mapping for location-specific safety profiling
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Simulation software for modelling potential conflict points
These tools enhance the objectivity and accuracy of audit recommendations.
Read Also: Safety Watcher: Duties, Job Opportunities and Salary
Ethical Considerations and Professional Standards
RSA consultants are expected to maintain independence, objectivity, and confidentiality. They should not be involved in the design of the project they are auditing, as this may lead to a conflict of interest. Professional conduct codes – such as those from ICE (UK) or ECSA (SA) – provide a framework for ethical practice.
Career Path and Demand
With growing emphasis on sustainable mobility and safer infrastructure, demand for road safety audit consultants is on the rise. This is particularly true in:
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Urban regeneration projects
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Highway expansions
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Cycling infrastructure development
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Smart cities and transport technology rollouts
Consultants may find employment in:
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Engineering consultancy firms
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Transport departments
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International infrastructure development agencies
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NGOs focused on road safety
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Academia and research
Conclusion
A Road Safety Audit Consultant is much more than a box-checker in the design process. They are critical contributors to safer roads and reduced road trauma. By combining engineering knowledge, risk analysis, and regulatory compliance, they ensure that our roads are not just efficient but also human-centred.
In the UK and South Africa, where road safety remains a key policy challenge, these professionals play a pivotal role in saving lives, preventing injuries, and supporting sustainable development.
Whether you’re a developer, road authority, or planner, engaging a qualified RSA consultant is a wise investment – one that pays dividends in safety, compliance, and long-term infrastructure value.
FAQs
Are road safety audits mandatory in the UK?
Yes, for trunk roads and motorways managed by National Highways, audits are mandatory at various stages of the project. Local roads may also require audits depending on the authority.
Can a road design engineer conduct an RSA?
No. For independence and objectivity, the RSA must be conducted by someone not involved in the design of the project.
What’s the difference between an RSA in South Africa and the UK?
While the principles are largely similar, the standards, design manuals, and regulatory frameworks differ (e.g., DMRB in the UK vs. SARTSM and SANRAL guidelines in SA).