A road safety auditor is an independently accredited specialist who performs formal safety examinations of highway schemes at defined design stages - known as Stage 1, 2 and 3 audits - to identify potential road safety issues before a new road or junction is opened to traffic. The audit team must be completely independent from the design team. Road safety audits are mandatory for all new public highway schemes in the UK and are also commonly required by local highway authorities for private highway works under Section 38 and Section 278 agreements.
What they do
- Carry out Stage 1 road safety audits at preliminary design stage
- Carry out Stage 2 road safety audits at detailed design stage
- Carry out Stage 3 road safety audits on completion before opening
- Carry out Stage 4 monitoring reviews after road has been open 12 months
- Produce formal audit reports identifying safety hazards and recommendations
- Review and comment on designer's responses to audit recommendations
- Check highway geometry, signing, lining and visibility
- Assess pedestrian, cyclist and vulnerable user safety
When you need one
A road safety auditor is required whenever a new public highway or significant highway improvement scheme is being designed and constructed in the UK.
Typical costs (UK, 2025)
| Job type | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Stage 1 audit (preliminary design) | £800 - £1,800 |
| Stage 2 audit (detailed design) | £1,000 - £2,500 |
| Stage 3 audit (on completion) | £800 - £2,000 |
| All three stages (full audit programme) | £2,500 - £6,000 |
| Stage 4 monitoring review | £600 - £1,500 |
| Auditor daily rate | £500 - £1,000 / day |
Costs vary with the complexity and scale of the scheme. Large junction or roundabout schemes require more detailed audit work and site inspection time. Allow for two auditors as a minimum - most highway authorities require at least a two-person team.
Qualifications to look for
The Institution of Highway Engineers Road Safety Audit Practitioner Certificate is the most widely recognised UK qualification for road safety auditors. Required by many highway authorities for audit team members working on schemes in their area.
The Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation offers road safety audit accreditation for members. Also accepted by most highway authorities. The CIHT member directory lists accredited auditors.
How to find a road safety auditor
Frequently asked questions
What are the stages of a road safety audit?
Road safety audits are typically carried out at three stages: Stage 1 (preliminary design), Stage 2 (detailed design before construction), and Stage 3 (on completion before opening to traffic). A Stage 4 monitoring review may also be required after the road has been open for around 12 months. Each stage has a different focus - Stage 1 looks at the overall layout and alignment, Stage 2 at the detailed design, and Stage 3 at the physical construction.
Who can carry out a road safety audit?
Road safety audits must be carried out by an independent team - entirely separate from the design team - with at least two qualified auditors. Each auditor must hold the IHE RSA Practitioner Certificate or equivalent accreditation and have relevant experience on similar types of road. The audit team leader is responsible for the overall quality and completeness of the audit report. The team must have no prior involvement in the design of the scheme being audited.
What is an exception report?
When the designer decides not to implement an audit recommendation, the highway authority requires a formal exception report explaining the reasons. The exception report must be signed off by a senior responsible person and filed with the project records. This process ensures that all audit findings are formally considered even when the designer believes the recommendation is not warranted or appropriate for the specific scheme.