Surface Condition Assessment for the National NEtwork of Roads (SCANNER)

SCANNER surveys use automated road condition survey machines to measure a range of road condition parameters including ride quality, rut depth, intensity of cracking, texture depth and edge condition. Measurements from SCANNER accredited machines are used (through UKPMS) to produce a national performance indicator (the SCANNER Road Condition Indicator) for road carriageways, as well as for planning highway maintenance schemes and programmes.

SCANNER surveys have been developed by the UK Roads Board to provide a consistent method of measuring the surface condition of road carriageways throughout the United Kingdom. The SCANNER specification defines the technical requirements for SCANNER survey parameters and accreditation testing. It also describes the requirements for the SCANNER survey data and the quality assurance procedures that are required. The independent auditor for which is currently TRL. 

The SCANNER survey has become a particularly important part of the condition assessment toolkit, and a required method for the collection of the data required for Local Authorities to report Local Area Agreement National Indicators (LAANIs) in England and similar performance indicators in Scotland and Wales.

If you are looking to develop a machine capable of SCANNER surveys, you may wish to review further information on the accreditation procedure. 

If you are looking for a contractor to carry out SCANNER surveys on your behalf, you may wish to check the list of current SCANNER accredited machines and their certificates.

The Department for Transport has a comprehensive collection of guidance documents and reports for service level reporting.