Section 5.3 - Surveys and Inspections

Inspections of the rights of way network will occur in two ways:

1. Routine survey, occurring as part of regular monitoring of the network.
2. Enforcement inspections, occurring as a result of a report or complaint (Section 9.1.3). These will be geographically restricted to the vicinity of the occurrence.

The whole network will be inspected and surveyed at least once every five years. Resurvey and inspection of 20% will occur annually. Therefore, at any point in time:

• 20% of the network will have been inspected and surveyed at least once in the previous 12 months.
• 20% of the network will have been inspected and surveyed at least once in the previous 24 months.
• 20% of the network will have been inspected and surveyed at least once in the previous 36 months.
• 20% of the network will have been inspected and surveyed at least once in the previous 48 months.
• 20% of the network will have been inspected and surveyed at least once in the previous 60 months.

Certain parts of the network that have a sealed surface may be inspected more frequently as part of the highways inspection regimes.

5.3.1 Routine survey

A complete survey of the network was undertaken between 1999 and 2001 using digital methods to capture the information. This data is being used to inform work programmes. It is proposed to resurvey the entire network on a five yearly cycle by surveying 20% per year. The methods for the resurvey will build upon the approach adopted for the complete survey. The results of this survey will provide and maintain the base inventory that will be updated as a result of enforcement inspections.

5.3.2 Enforcement inspections

An inspection will involve the officer walking the length of the relevant route as shown on the Definitive Map. An inspection report should be completed in order to document problems and the condition.

The inspection process takes in an assessment of:

• The surface condition
• The condition of drainage infrastructure
• The condition of furniture, including signposts and waymarks
• The condition of any structures on the path e.g. stiles and gates.
• The general condition of any bridges or culverts on the route.

(Note: A bridge in poor condition may then be given a more detailed inspection by an engineer.)

Having completed the report, the officer must assess the need for any further action as respects problems and occurrences. Any subsequent action will depend on:

• The active threat to public safety
• The likelihood of re-occurrence
• The level of budget provision.